“Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves.” ~ Charles Stanley
As a new mother, I didn’t want to just survive; I wanted to THRIVE. Here are some things that helped me, and I hope they help you too!
Invite others into your home
In my first few weeks into motherhood, I reached out to some other new moms and invited them to my house for coffee and a breakfast casserole. We ate, laughed, shared stories and got to know each other. Another mom hosted the next month, another mom after that and ten years later, we are still friends.
Put “me-time” on the calendar
My husband was so kind. He could see I was tired and needed a break, so he told me to carve out time each month for some “Me Time.” I would just go to a coffee shop, slowly drink a cup of hot coffee, read and write, think and pray. It was amazing!
Join a group
Whether it’s a play group, a MOPs group, or a Bible study at your church – joining something that will REFRESH and inspire you to be a better mother.
Join a Gym
If it’s in your budget, this will be a life-saver! When I was a new mom without room to think or breath or shower – I loved dropping my kids off at the gym’s child care so that I could get a chance to work out and actually get a shower! I met new friends and even took a few minutes to read!
You be you
Don’t compare yourself to other moms. What you choose is your way – not the only way. I had so many ideas of what was the right way or wrong way before I had kids – and even after I had only one child. But I’ve learned that what works with one, may not work with another. Don’t judge other moms and don’t feel bad when you do things differently. Do what works for your family and for your child.
Get up before your kids
I know this is HARD when you are not getting much sleep, but get up a few minutes earlier than your kids. Having time to read and pray before your kids wake up will make a big difference in your day! My kids are EARLY risers (6 am) …but I set my alarm for 5:30 or 5:45, just to have a few quiet moments before they wake up. Having a morning ritual is important for your spirit, mind and body.
Spirit: Pray, read scripture, complete a day from my favorite Bible Study.
Mind: I write down 3-4 things I want to get done that day
Body: Do about a minute of exercise – push-ups, 1-minute plank, etc. I try to make time for more exercise later in the day.
When my kids get up extra early (before 6 am), they sit with me while I read and pray. When I’ve had a rough night (the kids are sick or not sleeping well, or when I am sick, etc.), this morning routine gets skipped. However, as often as possible, I wake up before my kids to set our day on the right course!
Enjoy the little things
Those beautiful eyes that are staring back at you, the soft hair, the sunshine, a healthy baby, a good nap (for the kids, if not for you). There is ALWAYS something to enjoy and to be GRATEFUL for! A great book to read when you’ve got littles at home is Loving the Little Years. It was written by a mom in the midst of the “little years!” It’s very practical and encouraging.
Finally, never stop being grateful because:
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~ Melody Beattie
What helps you THRIVE in motherhood? Leave a comment!
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