Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I Love Myself Enough To...

This week, I'm like one big ball of love. Yesterday, I wrote a post highlighting a few lovely blogs, and today, I'm talking self-love.

Say what?

That's right, I said it! Self-love baby! As a young, single mother and full time grad student, life gets downright rough at times. Rough. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Right?

But I'm learning to put myself first and love myself more. I'm learning to model the importance of self-care for Aiden.

I'm learning to proudly fill in the blank (without those guilty feelings that we Moms get when we embrace ourselves).

I love myself enough to:


  • Exercise 3x per week, even when life is hectic and I'm scrabbling to find the 25th hour in the day.
  • Put Aiden to bed between 8pm and 8:30pm so that I can have amble time to do my school work, etc, breathe and relax.
  • Get a manicure once a week and a pedicure twice a month. And when I can't make it to the salon, take the time to do it myself.
  • Get my hair professionally washed and blown out once a week.
  • Get rid of clothes that don't look good on me. Period. If they have holes, stains, or remotely resemble being worn out... good-bye and good riddance! No strings attached. Perhaps this is due to the fact that NYC can be one big fashion scene, but hey... mama likes to look good!
  • Spend time with my friends without feeling guilty about it.
  • Treat myself to a back massage, when I can afford it. Heck, I deserve it after lifting Aiden, my bags, his bag, and a stroller up and down the subway steps of NYC.
  • Dance. A lot.
  • Laugh. Often.
  • Smile. Just because.
  • Read blogs that I love.
  • Watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians, re-runs of Sex And The City, Law & Order: SVU, and Grey's Anatomy. Faithfully. Every week. 
  • Spend money on myself. Sometimes.
  • Try my hardest to ignore negative and judgmental people. After all, they will always be there, judging away. 
  • Flirt with boys. Sometimes. 
  • Realize when I'm spreading myself too thin, and adjust my schedule accordingly. Aiden needs a sane mommy.
  • Leave a relationship that was not good for me -- even if that meant being a single mother. 
  • Surround myself -- and my Aiden -- with positive people who inspire me and push me forward.
I do all these things because I love myself, and because my happiness and well-being is important to me. As a woman. As a mother. It's important to Aiden as well. And to the success of our family.

Now it's your turn! Fill in the blank, "I love myself enough to ________:"

And, please, share this post with a friend on Facebook or on Twitter. It's about time we put ourselves first and show ourselves some love, gosh darnit!

Smooches,

31 comments:

  1. I love myself enough to eat healthy and get some much deserved sleep.


    And thanks for reading my blog! I love reading blogs I love too and yours included. You are so inspiring :)

    www.workingmomjournal.com

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  2. What a great list. I think all us women should love ourselves just a little more. I love myself enough to not feel bad about watching trash tv that makes me feel fantastic ;)

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  3. Amazing list!! I've been trying to do some of these things too...particularly this year I've been trying to ignore the negative and judgmental people. It makes such a difference!!

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  4. AMEN!!!! I totally feel you on this post. My husband and I need to focus on getting our son in bed on time consistently. We're also trying to combat his Eczema so he can sleep through the night totally itch free. I want to dye my hair a purple-ish tint, exercise, play video games, and keep up with painting my nails. I love laughing and dancing with my internet radio in my kitchen - sometimes it's a distraction, lol. I need to hang out with friends and read more blogs. Let me just copy this whole list, lol.

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  5. I love myself enough to do what makes me feel happy and not worry about what other people think of it!

    Great blog post!! Don't forget to link up your fave charity on my blog!!

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  6. Amazing post! I love your list!!

    I love myself enough to enjoy rolling around on the floor laughing with my baby girl because I know I'll never get these moments back. And also to nap when she naps a couple of times a week!

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  7. Some might say I overdue it but I'm all about loving me. How will I know what I want him to do (if GOD has purposed a mate) if I don't have the experience now. What are we waiting for? I'm not saving any clothes, perfume, travel moments for anyone...I love myself. I love my son enough to be 200% and that means taking time out to just be ;0)

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  8. Great Post: I love myself enough to love everyone that I come in contact with like God loves us.

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  9. You are amazing and inspiring; this is an awesome list and really made me think...Being a single mom often leaves little "you" time and the funny thing is if you take the time out for yourself you can be a better mom, student, employee.

    I love myself enough to take time hit the gym. It helps me unwind and feel good about myself!

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  10. Love this post and love this list! I need to start throwing out clothes too. And I love the once-a-week blow dry. Might have to make that a mommy rule around here.

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  11. I love myself enough to stop striving for a perfection that nobody can reach :)

    Beautiful post!!! I need to start doing more for me.

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  12. I love myself to take out time for me so that I can be at my best for my family.

    I loved this post. You are so positive and upbeat...it's contagious!

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  13. @Sheena: LOL. You are hilarious!!!!
    @All: I am in LOVE with all of your comments! You go girls!

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  14. Yup!! All important and necessary... alot of time its the lack of balance that leaves people so unhappy with life.. Im learning this lesson myself!

    :)

    Ro

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  15. Another great post!!

    I love myself enough to know when to let go and when to hold on!

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  16. Fantastic post :)

    I love myself enough to take my happy little self to the shoppes this weekend and blow about $500 on some new Spring attire. I really hope I stick to it because I never shop for myself. I also decided I want to try out the crackle polish all the ladies have been talking about. Oh and I bought myself a lovely plant to sit by my office window :)

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  17. Love the list! nice post!

    I love myself enough to live cheerfully.

    xoxo
    Stella

    http://www.jadore-fashion.com/

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  18. This, I LOVE! I'll chime in...

    I love myself enough to let go of insignificant things so I can have (and keep) peace.

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  19. @Sheliza: a Spring shopping spree??? POW POW!

    @Denise: Amen!!!!

    @Laila: You better speak!!!!

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  20. ooo I totally agree with you on the clothes thing. The problem with unflattering clothes is that they either take up room, or you end up wearing them and feeling like shit instead of feeling great.

    I always take at least 40 minutes to get ready in the morning, it makes me more productive and I just feel better than the rare days where I rush it and run out the door. Anna get's the same treatment, she gets lotioned, perfumed and changed first thing in the morning haha

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  21. what a great post, i am going to find time this weekend for a mani/pedi for sure. it has been too long since i've had one! i also am trying to find the time to gym more, i'm always happy when i do and yet i never seem to fit it in.... thanks for the inspirations!

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  22. Great post, I love myself enough to get a massage every month and to start dating again.

    http://www.nycsinglemom.com

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  23. LOVE this post hun! x I think you're doing a fabulous job - and I don't even know you! : ) Seriously, I struggle to lift the buggy into the car boot, never mind up and down the subway - with BAGS! That alone deserves a medal in my books.

    I think I'm going to take a leaf out of your book - I rarely go to hairdresser - only for weaves/braids - I wash, treat etc at home...but I'm going to start treating myself as well as baby girl... Started a few weeks ago again with mani - pedi and wondered why I ever stopped!

    ; ) Thanks for the extra motivation xxx

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  24. @Linda: You. Go. Girl. Massages are so much fun!

    @Mrs. O: Good for you!!!! You deserve it!

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  25. I love myself enough to have a special day monthly----just for me.

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  26. This is a great blog! I love myself to stay drama free and love myself. These were great inspirational words to live by. You go girl!
    www.cancerinthecity.com

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  27. This was absolutely great. Self love is so important, especially as a young mom. I think I'm going to make this list and keep it next to my mirror, just to remind myself that I am worthy of continual self love.

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  28. I love myself enough to own it! You know what I'm talking about! :)

    Tell me where you are finding these cute boys to flirt with in New York. Inquiring single minds want to know!

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  29. I love myself enough to KNOW WHEN TO CALL IT QUITS! Whether its related to a relationship, work, or anything else. I know my limits and I am not afraid to ask for help or a time out, when needed.

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