The Gift of "Me Time"

After almost 10 years of marriage, my husband is giving me the best birthday present I could ask for — and it isn’t jewelry, or a new car, or clothes. Those things are nice…but this birthday, I’m getting something even better — “Me Time”!

He has arranged to get off a little early from work to watch the kids while I spend the afternoon getting pampered at a local day spa. I’m so excited! Afterwards, we will have my birthday family dinner and spend the evening together (basically translated: normal night at home struggling to get kiddos bathed and in bed on time).

I suppose that taking an hour or two by myself to do something that is just for me shouldn’t be such a big deal — but it is. I think I, like a lot of other moms, can get so caught up in the daily routine of taking care of children, housework, jobs, etc., that I just run out of time to take care of myself the way I should. Some days, I realize that although I showered and got dressed in the morning, I went out and about the rest of the day without putting makeup on. Yikes! I hope I don’t scare too many people I see out and about on those days.

And my usual attempt at taking some Me Time at home involves me locking the bathroom door and taking a bath, while one or more of the kids sits outside the door, crying for me to come out and even beating on the door to remind me they are out there. Waiting. I guess I should feel flattered that my kids can’t go five minutes without gazing on their mother’s face. But sometimes, I just need a few minutes to myself so I can regroup and refresh.

So today, on my birthday, I will savor each second of my Me Time and come home a new and improved mommy and wife! It is amazing to me how just a brief break from the daily routine to do something to make me feel better about myself can change my whole mood and outlook on life for the better.

Thank you, dear sweet husband, for giving me the best gift ever: the gift of “Me Time”.