May Soap Notes & Giveaway : : Nurturing Ourselves
Wow, we have and quite a May so far and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Yet when I know that I'm tired and weary and should totally be conserving my energy, I spend every last ounce of free time working, doing chores, and attempting to get one more thing crossed off my to-do list. If my daughters were overtired and cranky, I would encourage them to rest and re-fill the metaphorical well. How is it that I can encourage them to five themselves what they need yet not take what I need for myself? Why do we not nurture ourselves the way we nurture others?
Coming off the heels of Mother's Day, we've all probably been thinking about either what type of mother we are or what type of mother we have. I'm also trying to think about what kind of mother I am to myself. When I'm hungry, do I make myself a healthy snack? Or do I tell myself that my waistline is not deserving of extra calories? When I'm overworked, do I make myself take a break and get outside to 'play'? Or do I admonish myself for being lazy and unfocused? When I'm sad do I allow myself to be hugged? When I'm angry, do I permit myself to use words and communicate those feelings with others?
A good mother would be gentle with another's soul; would nurture the body in which it resides by giving it food and rest, would be tender with its feelings, would give it healthy boundaries in which to prosper. A good mother can anticipate needs and act accordingly before meltdowns occur. A good mother encourages positive thinking and praises even the smallest of achievements. A good mother knows when her children need some fresh air and exercise. A good mother loves her children wholeheartedly with an unconditionalness that is unparalleled.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all care for ourselves this way? Life is so hard sometimes but if we had this 'mother' within ourselves wouldn't we just have the best shot at being happy, and healthy, and whole? And if it's true that we cannot give others what we do not have ourselves, imagine what we would be able to give to others through this ultimate nurturing of ourselves.
This month, take some time {preferable with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket} to reflect on the ways that you could be a better mother to yourself. What would you do differently? How would you change your self-talk to reflect your new mission?
I'd like to help you nurture yourself this month by giving away an Acai & Mangostein Hand Scrub. {Indulging myself a little is totally in my mothering plan!} To be entered to win, simply comment on this post or send me an email and tell me your favorite way to indulge yourself. {Is it chocolate, a good book, a bubble bath?} I will hold the drawing sometime on Wednesday morning, May 20th.
Just a reminder that all month long, we are donating 10% of our sales to the Ronald McDonald House of Danville, PA. This is a great opportunity to pick up some Bath Bars for summer traveling or end of year gifts for teachers!
