Stop and Smell the Roses

Dear Super Mom,

Have you ever felt like you are endlessly on-the-go? Similar to being a race car driver and the red stop light is broken? Or simply find yourself insisting, “There are not enough hours in the day!” You may express your frustrations to your mom or friend and she advices you to, “Just stop and smell the roses”. How can you apply the meaning of this common, but important, saying to your parenting in such a manner to benefit your family altogether?

Put Yourself First:

This may seem like foreign advice, but you must put yourself first. It is the need to feed your body and mind by putting some time aside for quiet reflection which can wonders for your mindset. It is your thoughts that have all the power to influence how you feel and actions you choose to do. Some positive affirmations will help your brain silence any negativity.

Practice to Say No:

Some moms may not realize they are a “Yes” person. It is someone who feels compelled to do everything for everyone else, but herself. The expectancy you or other individuals place on you may leave constantly feeling pressed for time and a little frazzled, while the resulted stress makes you feel inefficient. Practicing saying “No” is an imperative step towards self-advocacy and productivity.

Look for Support:

There is a common saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” is true. However, by “village”, I don’t mean a group of houses and nearby buildings. Many moms believe asking for a helping hand is a sign of weakness. My advice is to not be afraid to ask for help and support from a friend, family member or colleague. You will be surprised by how much they are willing to pitch in.

Be Inspired:

Surround yourself with those who lift you up and avoid those who drain your energy. Be aware and track your energy/mood levels by paying close attention to your feelings when around others. Align yourself who those who have a positive influence/energy to stay motivated. This can be achieved through social media or enlisting in a club at your town or online.

Recognize the Little Things:

Stopping to smell the roses involves recognizing and appreciating the simple little things around you, especially the ones you take for granted. It may simply a cup of freshly brewed coffee, while your little ones are asleep, overhearing your child’s giggles, or snuggling on the couch with your child as you watch a family movie. When you stop for a brief moment and pay close attention, you’ll acquire a new-found thankfulness for those little things.

Set a Schedule:

Mom life is a hectic life indeed, but you may have to consciously set a time schedule to do things for yourself. Planning 20 minutes each day might be all you need, whether it’s taking a short walk around your neighborhood, reading a chapter from a novel, or taking a bubble bath. You can even set a “mommy” day each month and have your partner, friend or nanny watch your kids, while you can head to the spa. Besides, consider a fun family game night or glossing over photo albums (this is a great way for your family member to stop and smell the roses too).

Evaluate:

If you are finding difficulty juggling life, perhaps you should consider writing a list of what’s working and what’s not. Reflect and set some new goals to make necessary changes. Change your path and you will get a different result. You can create a dream board or daily journal for a constant reminder to make the decisions that meet your goal.

Finally, when you stop and smell the roses, you are taking care yourself mentally, emotionally, physically and perhaps spiritually. It obliges you to take time out your busy day and enjoy what life has to offer.