the tough take a moment.

Crash, splat, spill … I knew what that sound was. The remnants of my 5-year-old’s breakfast crashing to the floor of the car and spilling all over it. I looked back to confirm my fears and then … I had to laugh. Really, I had no other choice. It was my last defense. I had already endured the shrieks of “you hurt me!” The reasoning behind this accusation being … I had shut the car door, this caused the car to vibrate, this caused my 5 year old to fall, this caused her to hurt her hand. Hence: “you hurt me!” No wonder mothers take up so much of therapists’ time! I’m sure motherhood must take up even more.

As I drove back home without her all I could think of was taking a moment to honour myself in some way.

Since having kids I’ve tried to incorporate a little self nurturing into more and more of the moments of my life. I find it’s my attitude more than anything. I don’t think I do things all that differently, but I try hard to look at them differently. For example, when I wake up in the morning (I’m definitely NOT a morning person), I take a minute to reflect on what my day will be like. I try to think some positive thoughts before jumping into the madness that is our typical school/work morning rush. It may be as simple as “today’s going to be a great day,” or “I’m so lucky to have such great kids.” This is especially helpful when the kids have been whiny, confrontational, argumentative, irrational, sleep-deprived, sick, grumpy - you know, when they have been kids!

My ritual this morning is going to be to have a really good cup of coffee. The pot is brewing right now. Steaming hot, dark, strong, with cream (so much better than milk) and maybe a little Splenda. I’m going to sit, enjoy it, honour myself and then leap right back into life. Wish me luck.