A Moment with Emma: How ''Me-Time'' Made Me a Better Parent

Today's guest post comes from Emma. She's a writer, a teacher, and a parent. Today, Emma shares her story on being a working perfectionist momma who learned how to give herself grace and the gift of "me-time" in order to be her best. Check out how she reconnected with, freed, and empowered herself in a way that can inspire any parent. Thanks for sharing your story, Emma!

As a working perfectionist mom, I quickly found out I was not able to do everything perfectly at once. I tried and it cost me my peace and my wellbeing and I was burnt out in my early thirties. In an attempt to juggle my work, parenting, and housekeeping, I was on the fast track of self-destruction. The only thing that saved me was scheduling time for myself only, my me-time. In a short while it turned out all other areas of my life improved as well, and made me a better mom, wife and worker. This is how.

I reconnected to the real me.

With the little ones running around, chores to be done and career to be advanced, I completely forgot who I was. I was a getting things done, but I could not feel pleasure, I didn’t remember my dreams, my interests, my joy. I was losing track of my soul. I started journaling and found an abandoned wounded woman inside. So I committed to her, I committed to never lose touch with my inner self and I continued talking to me via journaling. Slowly but surely my real self started showing up with all my quirks and unique traits and the kids noticed it. As I became more authentic in expressing who I really was, they honored me more and felt free to do the same and avoid conforming to stereotypes.

I let go of control.

I used to be the kind of mom who had to have control over everything the kids did and didn’t do, I had to know all about their free time activities and their friends. It was draining for all parties. Then I realized that they needed their own me-time just like I needed mine. I tried to focus on the pleasure I felt from doing my own thing without having to explain anything to anyone, and I decided it was worthwhile to get the kids started on their independence too. The younger ones were just about to start school when I discovered the magnificent Montessori system of education that lets kids be independent learners without much interference from teachers and parents. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to let go of control of their learning and let them develop in the best way for them, not according to my ideas.

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I empowered myself.

As I committed to myself, I discovered I would really have to make some changes in all areas of my life. I cleaned up my diet, took up yoga and meditation practice and started exploring and developing my latent talents in the form of hobbies. All of this made me feel emotionally and mentally stronger and I felt like a whole person again. My self-respect improved and my inner power rose. I found I was able to deal with everything in a much more efficient way, without feeling drained. I was able to be there for my kids in a better way than before and they knew they could rely on me for anything. The haggard drained version of me was replaced by a powerhouse of positive energy and that certainly taught my sons how to treat themselves.

I realized that if I wanted to have strong, healthy, powerful and independent children, I needed to become all of that myself and be the best role model I could. In order to achieve that, devoting time to myself was necessary and well worth it.

Emma is a teacher, and is constantly improving her skills both as a teacher and as a parent. She is passionate about writing and learning new things that can help you to lead a quality life. You can follow her on Twitter here! She also regularly contributes to High Style Life.

If you liked this Moments Guest Post, check out the others here. Have a story that you'd like to share on Currently, Kelsie? Contact me here with your idea!

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Kelsie