[Solo Ep] Self-Care for Moms: Beyond Nature Walks and Spa Days
Episode Description
My hope with today’s episode is to shed some light on self-care and its many misconceptions. We don’t need to feel shame or selfish for prioritizing our goals so we can create a life we can thrive in.
Here’s a gentle reminder:
No matter what we accomplished today, or how much money we made, or what we ate for breakfast, we are all worthy of self-care.
And when I say self-care, I’m not talking about face masks, bubble baths, and nights out on the town.
Imagine if we could all align with our highest purpose by taking the time for deep, reflective inner work. Imagine the love we could share and the impact we’d have on the world - it would be so incredible! Because if we can’t settle our minds and be kind to ourselves, then what good are those spa days?
Self-care – it’s not just face masks & spa days
There are so many misconceptions about what self-care is and what it can be. It’s been monetized, commercialized, villainized, internalized – but at its core, it’s different for everyone.
For some people it is face masks and spa days or nights on the town and drinks with friends. For me, these “self-care” tools feel like emergency netting. A walk outdoors or a bath or meditation can help me get through some tough moments, but it doesn’t take them away.
If we’re at the spa, that doesn’t mean our minds aren’t still racing. We might still be thinking about what the kids will be having for lunch. We might be feeling uncomfortable in our bodies.
If we can’t settle our minds and be kind to ourselves, then what good are those spa days and nights out drinking? If we’re not willing to be reflective and forgive ourselves in those moments when we are our toughest critics, how can we go beyond just surviving?
Showing up for myself
The past two years, I have been doing some inner work with a coach, who regularly reminds me I don’t have to live in a state of chaos or agitation. No matter what’s going on in my life, there is a way to navigate it with intention and calmness.
My self-care involves writing my thoughts every morning at 5:30 a.m.
Journaling gives me an opportunity to settle into my body and shed light on any emotions that threaten to take over my day. In this early hour, I can just be me, in the quiet and stillness before my family wakes.
Sometimes the alarm isn’t enough to pull myself out of bed. On those days, I have to remind myself that I am worthy to have those moments. I ask my partner to carve out time to watch our daughter so I can show up for myself.
Next week’s episode: meet my self-love & business coach
I’m grateful for the tools that have helped me turn inward and not only identify my needs and ambitions, but see how I can meet and achieve them. These tools have helped me start aligning myself with my highest purpose.
In next week’s episode, I’m chatting with Randi Halaway, the self-love and business coach who has been one of my biggest supporters and guides in this journey.
She’ll be sharing more about her work and the tools she’s created to help women remember just how powerful and worthy they are. I hope you will join us.
Notable Quotes from Emily
“I’ve prioritized journaling every morning. This gives me the opportunity to shed light on any emotions that are threatening to take over for the day. I’m able to set an intention just for me, before my kid and partner get up in the morning. I’m able to quiet my mind and make choices from stillness.” (4:30)
“We are already worthy. No matter what we’ve accomplished today, no matter what we physically look like or what we weigh. We’re already worthy if our kids got to school on time or not, if we’ve made money this week. We are already deserving. We are worthy of finding what grounds us, what lights us up, and to give it the time it deserves.” (2:16)
Resources & Links
Be sure to check out next week’s episode featuring Randi Halaway, the self-love and business coach who has been one of my biggest supporters and guides.
Learn more about Project: Mom and follow us on Instagram at @projectmompodcast.
Do you want to share your motherhood journey on the podcast? Email me at projectmompod@gmail.com.