Oprah said it best,;"Motherhood is the toughest job in the world.";It is also the most rewarding. Each day as I run through my Mommy To-Do list I am reminded of why taking time for myself is necessary.Oh, what we wouldn’t do for an extra hour or two during the day for some “me time.” But making yourself the top priority is hard when you have a seemingly endless to-do list of family, work, and school obligations.

I'm not judging moms that can do it all with little-to-no downtime. They are my heroes! I'm just not built that way. I did not acquire the selfless motherhood gene. I think my mom got it but failed to pass it onto me. Instead, I informed my husband, children, friends and family (anyone that pretended to listen) that I was changing my life (and by default theirs). I didn't have it all figured out in the beginning. I didn't know what type of self-care I really needed. I had to learn what boundary-setting meant and all of the rules of engagement when applying boundaries to people who prefer things to be as they were. I had to discover my voice and learn to value hearing myself think.

Time isn’t selfish but it does allow you to share your whole self with those you love. If you don’t allow time to rest and refuel then what you give your family isn’t your personal best.When you are happier you are a better parent.Self-care is an important part of motherhood.Your children benefit directly from your personal growth. Growing your life allows you to share more of you with your children.