I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been overwhelmed by the feelings that my life will never be my own again. At times being a parent has left me feeling like I am nothing more than an empty shell. And honestly, that’s an easy place for me to find myself these days as I strive to meet the needs of my five children and this life our family has created.

The funniest part about the whole thing is how I forget that just a little bit of self-care, filling up my own tank, can turn the blackest night back in to day again.

In this episode of the Mamas Well Podcast I had the opportunity to sit down with licensed social care worker and adoptee Susan Packwood. Susan and I discussed the importance of being intentional in the realm of self-care and identified six ways to do just that.

I won’t spoil the podcast for you, but I’ll give you a sneak peak at these must-do’s for any parent!

First – We were designed to live in community,,, so create one!

Second – Setting intentions has a huge impact on our outcomes, so get intentional!

Third – Parenting can be tough mentally and emotionally and mindfulness and meditation help calm the storm in our brain and body, so sit down and take a breath!

Fourth – Treat yourself with love and kindness, affirm yourself the same way you would a friend or even a stranger facing the same challenges you’re facing.

Fifth – Choose joy… Strengthen those mind muscles to choose a happy heart and spirit.

Sixth – Practice gratitude. Finding gratefulness in the every day grind.

All six of the above are great reminders for me that in order to parent in the most loving, effective way possible I must treat myself in a loving way. Parenting is beautiful and hard. Let’s practice these things together and watch the effect it has on our kids and family!

Audio only

DEEPER DOWN THE WELL

Deeper down the well:
If you’re interested in learning more about mindfulness and meditation, Susan recommends a dear friend of hers, Micki Fine, M.ED.,LPC, founder of Mindful Living. I spent some time on her site and it’s definitely worth a peek!
https://www.livingmindfully.org/aboutmicki