I don’t know about you, but as much as I love my husband, another bouquet of roses is just not going to cut it this Valentine’s day. This mama is tired. This mama is overworked. And if there is anything this mama needs more of in this world – it’s quiet time.
Blissful, uninterrupted, quiet, alone time – with no guilt, for that matter.
Now that I have a toddler, and can no longer consider myself a true “new mama,” I have finally understood those blogs and memes about mommy needing her own time out. Lately, it feels like I tend to need these time-outs more than I don’t – and with good reason! I used to feel guilty about taking a few hours to myself on any given day, but now, no more.
If you’re like me, you’re constantly on the go. Constantly doing for everybody else. Working while worrying. Worrying while working. Going, going, face plant.
This mama is ready to treat herself.
So, this Valentine’s Day, you can save your overpriced chocolates and that standard bouquet of roses. I’m going to make it really easy for all of you mamas who are one carpool away from crawling into a corner with a blankie and a bottle of wine. It’s time for a little selfish bliss.
Because this Valentine’s Day, the best gift I can receive is more time with myself, and something tells me you’re in the exact same boat.
So here are my top 3 ways Mamas can treat themselves for Valentine’s Day (and feel a lot more satisfied with than a box of heart-shaped chocolate).
1. Rediscover your couch.
When was the last time you sat on your couch to do anything but fold laundry or force your child’s shoes and socks on? Exactly. I want you to schedule one whole morning, after you’ve dropped the kids off at school, to go home, kick off your shoes, and lay on your couch. I would suggest doing this with a hefty line-up on trashy reality TV, but if you’d prefer to read- hey, do what you gotta do. But get on your couch, horizontally, and shut off your phone. This is therapy – trust me. The laundry can wait.
2. Go to the movies.
Alone. Remember when you were younger and you’d see people at the movies alone and just feel bad for them? They were probably parents just like you and me who needed to break away for just a few hours. Take yourself to the movies. See something YOU want to see – not the latest kid’s movie, not that movie you had to compromise to see just to get your husband out of the house – the movie you’ve been dying to see but never get a chance to commit to. And eat snacks. Lots of snacks – remember, this is YOUR day, with no guilt.
3. Splurge on a spa day!
Let me tell you how my last spa experience made me feel. You know the scene in Home Alone where Kevin realizes he was all alone in his house for the first time? Yea – that’s just how it went. No, money doesn’t grow on trees for me either, but every once in a blue moon, you just NEED to be pampered. That’s why, at the start of this new year, I spent an entire day at the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa down here in Florida. I had no cell service, which to me, was a sign from higher powers to disconnect and enjoy. I splurged on myself – cupcakes and champagne included – while my body was rubbed down with something that felt so darn good. And when my husband balked at the thought of my self-indulgent behavior, I reminded him that this Mama is just like his favorite football team – without the right amount of conditioning and recovery, I’m barely making it to the playoffs in this game of motherhood.
So this Valentine’s Day – TREAT YOURSELF RIGHT – love yourself the way you long to be loved, and breathe – all by yourself.