Motivational Monday – A mom’s simple pleasures

As moms, we often neglect to take care of ourselves. When it comes to the family, we would unreservedly put in 101 percent effort to ensure that everyone in the family from young to old are well fed and well taken care of. So it’s not surprising that after all that, we are left with no or little energy for ourselves. And this is true, regardless if you’re a SAHM, FTWM or WAHM, we are always guilty of putting our needs ways below that of our loved ones.

As a working mom, its hard to find time for myself especially when there are a hundred and one things that demands my attention everyday. But I feel that we should still remember we live for ourselves too and it’s still important that we make an effort to take care of ourselves be it physically, socially, mentally and spiritually. I did an earlier entry about it here.

Since another fellow Singapore Mom Blogger, Adeline, kicked off her new linky party, I thought I’ll join in with my list of 7 simple pleasures.

1. Time for my hobbies

This can be anything from blogging, reading, baking or doing craft work. I love these in these times, I’m pursuing my interests and not letting a part of me die.

2. Up keeping my looks

Freshly painted, glittering nails. Wouldn’t that make you a happy mom?

Anything from a haircut to a facial and even a manicure is enough to make me feel good about myself. Instant mood booster.

3. Couple holidays

Since last year, after Sophie turned two, Alexis and I have been going on our couple holiday without Sophie.

So far, we’ve gone to Bangkok and South Korea without her. While I do miss her when I’m far away from home, I also appreciate the time away from her, reconnecting with Alexis as a married couple. And yes, another holiday waits us soon!
4. Catching up girlfriends
I have a group of ex-colleagues that I meet up for lunch every Wednesday. Or rather, we try to meet up every Wednesday admist everyone’s busy schedule. Having worked together for the past 4-5 year, there is no topic that is taboo and off limits and we still try to arrange for brunches and lunches to catch up with each other’s families too.

My Wednesday lunches are assured of good company with equally good conversation and plenty of laughs. Just what I need to chase the the mid-week blues.

5. Exercise

As crazy as it sounds, though I often drag my feet out of the house before I go for my run, it’s a totally worthwhile me time. I get to clear my thoughts, get my heart pumping, lose some weight (hopefully) and I always feel better than when I first step out of the house. There’s no denying that it does take time to condition the body to enjoy exercising. I’m waiting  for the day that I can’t do without it.

6. Shopping

Besides cupcake and chocolate, the next best thing to lift my spirits is shopping. But sometimes I go a little crazy and go on a spree… Thankfully, I make my own keep, else the hubby is going to complain 😛

Oh and my latest buys, these lovely polka dots wedges that were marked down by more than 50%! I’m proud to be such a savvy shopper.

7. Sleep

I used to be a night owl, (okay, I still am since I’m still up writing this post), but these days, I love to sleep in on weekends. It used to be something I absolutely loathe as I felt it was a waste of a good weekend.

But after an exhausting week of work, taking care of a toddler who demands ALL my attention, and the unending housework, sleep is a luxury that I gladly indulge in without guilt. I would love to say that I sleep like a baby on weekends. But since I’m a mom, I know better than to use that phrase which is a total busted myth that probably invented by men who are often deaf to a baby’s cries in the night!

My sleeping baby, when she was a baby

What’s on your list of simple pleasures as a mom?

 

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Do link up every Monday with my Motivational Mondays linky party to share what’s motivating you for the week!

Don’t forget to grab my badge and include it in your post after you have linked up and leave me a comment too. I will be hosting Motivational Monday every week and I hope that you can join me every Monday. Have a great week ahead!

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