Why do we feel like we can’t leave our kids?
Why do we think our husbands are incapable of caring for our kids alone?
Why do we think our kids are so special that no one else on Earth could possibly put them to bed?
Why do we cancel or avoid plans with our friends?
How many times have you said or heard, “We should get together sometime!” but that time never comes or it gets canceled?
Why are we denying ourselves time with friends? A few hours of good conversation, belly laughs, and good food?
I know, I know. It sounds like a broken record. “Take time for yourself, mama!”
BUT. FOR. REAL.
Find a sitter.
Call your friend(s).
Set a date, time and place.
Show up.
Laugh until your stomach hurts. Vent about motherhood, careers, lack of careers, loneliness, busyness. Celebrate the good stuff. Celebrate good health. Celebrate the baby sleeping through the night. Celebrate potty training. Celebrate anything you want.
Mom dates are hard. You have to schedule around the kids, the activities, finding a babysitter, etc. It is hard, but it is not impossible. If you have a friend always inviting you, call her this week. Make the plans. Get brunch, grab a coffee, whatever time works for you, just do it.
JUST. DO. IT.
Life, motherhood, womanhood is hard. But, you truly don’t have to do it alone. Find your tribe and love them well. Be there. And enjoy some good, warm food without tantrums, kids touching you, and one million questions about why you always win tic tac toe. We need each other more than ever right now. This stage of life is chaotic, messy, exhausting. It is much easier to respond immediately with “NO” than to put ourselves together {even if that includes leggings and a messy bun}. Just. Do. It.
