I know that there is a good chance that you have been taught to be nice and good to other people—if you are like many single parents I know, you have probably mastered this lesson and are an absolute pro at looking after other people and taking care of myriad responsibilities. The question of the day, however, is how good are you are taking care of yourself? How are you at being good to yourself?
I need to be reminded to be good to myself. This does not necessarily mean having a big helping of chocolate cake or soaking in the bathtub (although those can be marvelous activities) but it also means talking sweetly to myself, protecting myself from messy and hurtful boundaries, sticking up for myself when the need arises, and listening to what my heart and soul are trying to say when they are trying to get my attention. It can mean quieting all those other demands and all the other voices that are requesting my attention long enough to figure out what is the best thing for me to for myself right this very moment.
What is the right thing for you to do for yourself? I know that you need to keep the best interest of your children and family at the forefront, but do not let yourself and your own needs get lost in the shuffle. If you are not good to yourself and if you do not look after your own health and well-being as a single parent, who will? While many of us are lucky enough to have great kids, great friends, and a supportive extended family—we still need to be good to ourselves at the core of things too. Then, we will also be better able to be good to everyone else as well.
Also: Don’t Forget Who You Are
Are You Taking Care of More Than Just Your Child?