Hi friends – this is one of my favorite blog posts, written by an amazing woman named Kristin.  Take care of yourselves, mamas.  Your children need you.

Nurturing

“How would you nurture her if you were the mother of little you?” -Kris Carr

Often times when we hear the word ‘nurture,’ our hearts, minds, and actions all go towards our children. Don’t get me wrong, this calling on our lives is truly a divine gift. However, then we add nurturing our spouses, extended family, vast social media network, close friends, our clients or co-workers and suddenly we ourselves get kicked off the list of priorities. Technology is something I LOVE so much for the community, connection, education, and inspiration that it brings but it also can quickly take away any silent moments where we can simply be attentive to the needs that our heart, body, and mind are craving.

Over the last 3 years I have been on a journey of re-prioritizing self-care. Mommyhood really became a teacher for me. Burnout is ugly, bitterness destroys, not listening to the voice within leads to a lack of hope and cob-web filled dreams. But prioritizing stillness for the sake of listening and taking small steps of action that spoke love over myself began to reawaken the true me. One of my biggest tools through this self-care journey has been essential oils because 1) they smell ah-mazing 2) they’re safe and non-toxic 3) they have SO many uses 4) they’re way more affordable for me than going to the spa all the time.

Self-care as a mom often times requires lots of creativity and even more so it requires intentionality. Ultimately, self-care starts in your heart and your beliefs about yourself. Our actions are just telling the story we tell ourselves. So as we process what self-care routines are most crucial for us to thrive during different seasons of motherhood, I encourage you to take some time and write out the answer to the questions below.

What are the things you wish others would do for you?

What triggers you to start shutting down/become unmotivated?

What parts of your day are draining you?

What are the positive and/or negative stories that you are telling yourself?

What physical symptoms do you experience that could be addressed or negated?

What is something that doesn’t take a lot of time that you have done that you absolutely LOVE?

What is something that takes more time but really fills your cup?

When you accomplish….. you feel productive for your day?

Below you will see many of my favorite self-care committments. I LOVE using essential oils in my self-care because they boost the immune system, create tons of positive benefits for emotions, and our amazing tools for lots of natural beauty benefits. This list is not an extensive list and I don’t do all of these things in every season but I hope this inspires you with fresh ideas. Follow me on Facebook for details on my local classes plus watch for a giveaway coming soon with some of my favorite self-care goodies!

AM

Tall glass of water with your favorite doTERRA citrus essential oil or tea (my favorite is a detox essential oil tea with 1 tsp raw honey, 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 drops doTERRA lemon essential oil, 1 drop doTERRA ginger, and 1 drop doTERRA cinnamon)

Breakfast smoothie with Lifelong Vitality Supplements

Affirmations/Daily Devotional/Meditation/Journaling

Favorite Music Playlist

AM diffuser blend of choice (2 Wild Orange + 2 Peppermint or 2 Citrus Bliss + 2 Douglas Fir + 2 Grapefruit)

DIY Hair Serum – jojoba oil with doTERRA Rosemary, Geranium, & Sandalwood

Anytime

Apply an emotional blend you’re drawn to on pulse points and remind yourself of truth

Yoga, Running, or an Interval Workout

Big delicious salad or stir fry or some soul-filled sugary goodness

Lunch date with someone who inspires you

Booking a facial, massage, pedicure, chiropractic appointment

Taking time for writing down what you’re grateful for and your wins or just laugh with the people you love

PM

Natural Calm Raspberry Magnesium in cold water at night

doTERRA Serenity in the diffuser

Time spent reading, listening to podcast, or journaling

Snuggle time with a loved one

Epsom salt bath with 1-2 cups epsom salts + 4 drops doTERRA Lavender essential oil

doTERRA Verage skincare or Mud mask with Verage moisturizer

Monthly

Coffee date with yourself

Exploring nature with people you love

Girls night or date night

Taking time to create