Finding time for myself made me a better mom.

Becoming a mom was life changing in many ways. I used to be the busiest person in the newsroom when I was a TV news producer. Then I had become the busiest stay-at-home mom. This time my research skills took on the topics of child development and parenting. The grunt work went into caring for a home and child.

Taking care of a baby was a bit overwhelming for me at first, even as I had often been the responsible and efficient type. Mulit-tasker extraordinaire! Then, two years later… one baby, unexpectedly turned into two. Like I said, life changing.

When you’re caring for a baby and preschooler, plus home and husband you tend to forget yourself. I did for a time. After getting into the groove and rhythm of our new family life, I realized that finding time for myself wasn’t just good for me – it was good for everyone else at home.

So I had made major changes in my life and myself, but the person I used to be was not lost forever. I had just evolved. For me to realize this and truly believe it, I had to make time to do my own thing.

I couln’t go back to work right away with the demands of caring for two young kids – and moving into a new home on top of it all. But I had my husband and a support system. With their help, I could pry myself away from home and baby duty, to get some time alone to do my own thing.

I had discovered yoga which helped me tremendously – getting back into shape gently, post-baby. Yoga was good for my psyche as well. And boy did I need to learn how to clear my head, focus and just… be in the now! Those three times a week at the studio was great for re-charging.

I used to feel guilty whenever I’d take the occasional extended lunch or dinner out with my friends or even my husband. Then I realized, I didn’t really have to fee guilty at all. Because those few hours away from my kids actually made me miss them more. The time I was with them became even more enjoyable – more precious.

Now the babies have grown into preschoolers. With more quiet time at home, I’ve been writing again – adding a few more hours of mommy-time to my day. My husband also got me into joining him for his runs. I liked it so much, that I’ve had to forego the yoga studio, to get myself into a training routine. I’ve managed to finish a few 5 and 10 k races. If only there were enough hours in the day, doing regular running and yoga would be perfect!

But, I’m not complaining. I’m back to work. I’m running regularly. My kids are fine even if I’m no longer around them 24-hours a day. They’re more independent and their world has opened up to other people. I’m not constantly thinking about this or worrying about that.

Taking time out from mommy-duty has led to that evolution I was talking about. I am much calmer and I feel more balanced now. Motherhood doesn’t feel like a juggling act anymore. Ironically, what it took was adding a few more balls to juggle into my regular routine.

Now… I am done writing my last post for this week, and I’m off to do a 5K run before everyone comes home. I feel good and I can look forward to the weekend.

Speaking of which…. If you haven’t thought of what your regular mommy-time routine would be, start with a good date – just you and the husband. Your kids should be fine with the sitter for a few hours. Trust me.

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