Self Care as a Priority
Lately I’ve realized that the details of my life that deserve more attention aren’t flashy achievements or perfect schedules but the small, steady acts of self care that keep me grounded and present. For years I’ve poured my time into making sure my children look amazing, smoothing out every wrinkle and selecting outfits with care. That love didn’t leave room for me. I was also in a relationship at the time. Now I’m choosing differently: I’m committing to my health and wellbeing as a lifelong practice, not just a way to look good. I am putting myself back on the schedule. And if I am being honest, my kids are happy that I’m not focusing on them at a granular level.
What I’m Paying Attention To
I’m paying attention to grooming and hair care in a new way. I used to manage everything myself, juggling trims and quick fixes between school runs. Now I see the value in outsourcing some of that work so I can have consistent, professional results without the stress. A monthly salon visit or a stylist consult feels like buying back calm. I am working on it! I don’t have to be the jack of all trades everywhere. Do I mention that these are aspirational actions? They are. But for many of you, these are your daily, monthly, weekly norms.
My wardrobe has become another focus. Instead of impulse buys, I’m curating a capsule of reliable pieces that mix and match. That reduces morning decision fatigue and makes getting dressed feel simple, intentional, and true to who I am. I still wear yoga pants– daily. But, I’m working on it!
Fitness used to be background noise. Now yoga is part of my week and I’ve just started jogging. These aren’t vanity projects; they are investments in energy, mood, and longevity. I celebrate small wins—showing up for a yoga class three times a week or finishing a short jog—because consistency beats perfection.
Sleep and rest are nonnegotiable. I protect my wind-down time and treat sleep like an appointment. When I prioritize sleep, everything else—patience with my children, focus at work, clear thinking—improves.
Nutrition and meal rhythm matter, but I refuse to make food a stress point. Simple meal planning, a few reliable batch-cooked options, and occasional meal outsourcing (pizza it is!) let’s me feed my family well without burning out.
How I am Making the Shift— Thank God For Kids!
The goal is to start by listing low-return tasks that drain me. Those are largely all of them. In efforts of time, I decided to outsource them to my children so I can take care of myself a bit better.
Staying Committed Long Term
I changed my internal script. Self-care is nourishment, not vanity. My motivation is clear: I want to be the energized, present parent and partner my family deserves.
Outsourcing has not made me less involved in my life; it has made my involvement deeper and more present. By delegating the tasks that drain me, I’ve created space to relax, to be joyful with my children, (after they’re done cleaning!) and to keep my health as a lifelong priority. That way I can be there for them in Zen motherly omnipresence.
Note: While I am being light-hearted I am very serious. I was running back and forth to the kitchen getting for able-bodied children and teens. I no longer do things like that and life is looking up.
