I was listening to Talk of the Nation on NPR on my way home from school yesterday (I love NPR, makes me feel smart when I listen :)) and they were talking about the violence in Mexico. It struck me when one caller said "I feel bad for Mexico, they deserve better than that". The host said "as we all do".
As we all do. We all deserve better. Isn't that an amazing epiphany like thought? We all deserve better. Maybe I am the only one struck by the enormity of that simply comment. Maybe it just resonates with me as I begin to realize that I deserve better. My family deserves better. My town, my state, my country, my world deserves better. Better schools, better environment, better health, better jobs, better living conditions, better governments and politicians. We have good ones, but everything can be improved. We can always strive for better.
I can't fix better for everything or everyone. But I can start with me. I can start with my family. My family deserves better. They deserve a mom/wife that is happy and healthy and fun and active. They deserve a wife/mom who loves herself and loves them as much as they could possibly be loved. They deserve a mom/wife who loves them enough to take care of herself.
When I take care of my self, my family gets the better they deserve. When I go for my runs every day my family gets the healthy happy mom they deserve. When I feel good about my self my husband gets the loving, affectionate wife he deserves. By taking care of myself I can give my family what they deserve; I can give them "better".
This isn't the same (at least in my mind) as putting myself first. I can't do that. I have too many responsibilities to put myself first. My family always comes first. But if they always come first, then ensuring that I am fit and healthy and happy takes care of their needs.
So I am going to put my family first and take care of them, and me, so they get the best; so they get what they deserve. Because they deserve better... and so do you.
What about you? Do you put yourself first? Do you consider taking care of your family and taking care of your needs the same?
First of all I LOVE your post this week! Thank you for the reminder that we all deserve better! We all need that reminder every now & then. I definitely put my family's needs before my own. I should make taking care of me as much of a priority!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to have you pledging to the sistahood! :) Let me know how I can support you & if you need anything!
I think as Moms, we always put everyone else before our needs. I know I do. But that is changing and we will ALL be happier when it does! Welcome to Mamavation!! :)
ReplyDeletefirst off, I have to say that I like to listen to NPR too... my Dad listens to it and I too feel smarter while listening...
ReplyDeleteI love that you have identified that your health directly impacts your family. When we do things for ourselves, we can fall short. not enough motivation... not enough desire... etc. But by doing things for our families, at least for me, forces me forward when I'm stuck with a case of the "I don't wanna"s because come on, I would do anything for my kids. Including getting healthy. I can't wait to follow you along on this journey!
Shelley
(@momma_oz)
I'm with you 100% If I'm not feeling happy, healthy and awesome my family definitely doesn't get what they deserve. Let's face it, when momma isn't happy, NO ONE is. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're here! Let me know if there's anything I can do to support you! :)
Lo. (@LoLately)
Welcome aboard girl! I'm Leah Segedie. Your fearless leader. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Welcome!!! We are all hear to support you! Good Luck!
ReplyDelete@naptime
Thank you so much for your support! I love this group :)
ReplyDeleteAs a mom, my kids do come first. I have learned that I need to take time for me though. I don't feel guilty about it, because it makes me a better mom. Sometimes a mommy time out is in order, not just a break to workout. Welcome to the Mamavation sistahood! Have a great week and if you need anything you can tweet me @Aries_Mommy
ReplyDeleteI love the realization that lies within this post; and the fact that you are ACTUALLY doing something about it, to start the ball rolling? AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, hun.
YEAH! Love the first post Becky. I agree with you we all deserve better! Congrats on your first post. have a great week! :)
ReplyDelete