Our 31 Day Mommy Happiness Challenge is soon approaching and I am curious, are you in? Are you at a point where you feel like something needs to change? Are you thinking something could be different? Are you afraid to admit you do not love all moments of parenting or maybe you can admit it, but just laugh it off, while deep down you are really struggling. Maybe you have been wondering, what is MY thing? Maybe none of those are questions you have been struggling with but if not taking anytime for yourself is something that is occurring, why not take part on this challenge? Motherhood is all about caretaking 24-7. When we care-take, there is only so much you can give until you have no more to give. My guess is that your kids are not the only ones you care take for too. I am here to challenge the belief that taking time for oneself is selfish. How could a mom take time for herself when she has young ones at home, there is just no time right? This is not true. It is necessary to find time. This challenge is about finding something, even if only 5 minutes, that help “fill” you up, so that you can continue to care give. Remember, you are the only one that can give your kids a happy mother.
Want to know what you can expect from this happiness challenge? I am here to answer all your questions. But lets first start with what is happiness? There are lots of definitions about happiness. It is something that is studied and often can mean different things to different people. I define happiness is an emotional state of well-being that occurs when you learn to let go, accept, become vulnerable and have gratitude. To become happy, one must begin to take care of oneself emotionally, physically and spiritually. With taking time for self-care, the gift of self-worth and true happiness can occur. To me, happiness it not about walking around with a smile on my face all day long laughing. Although that sounds fantastic, it often is not realistic. See, the things that stop us from true happiness are often in our control. We have the power to let go, accept, become vulnerable and be grateful.
Letting go: Is there something that you are struggling with letting go. Would you feel more free if you did not let it influence or control your life?
Accept: What in your life do you need to accept? Do you need to accept a relationship, situation, or something from the past? Acceptance can create a sense of peace.
Become vulnerable: When we let others see who we really are, we become vulnerable but it can create a true intimacy and connection with those you love.
Gratitude: Practicing gratitude is a simple practice to begin that can create happiness. Being thankful for what we have instead of focusing on wants is very powerful.
I believe, when someone begins to take time for themselves emotionally, physically and spiritually it becomes easier and more natural to let go, accept, become vulnerable and be more grateful. Are you willing to try? Some of your challenges will be only a few minutes, while I challenge you to take more time if you are able. Challenges will include those related to taking care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually. Want an early start, make a list of all the things that make you happy. Make sure to connect with me on social media and use the #mommyselfcare.
Choose Happiness,
Jessica Lynn
Please note that this article, blog or challenge does not replace mental health therapy. If you are in need of services, please find a local therapist.
I love this post! I think that you make some great points with regard to taking time for yourself and addressing the matters you listed. I think I have a difficult time with being vulnerable in particular. I am making some progress, though. In fact just last night I posted a free write on my blog about a very painful life event in the interest of improving my vulnerability as well as helping me to let go of the pain of that event…
I don’t think being happy is necessarily easy, but it’s infinitely important. I’ll be keeping tabs on the progress of this project and will be making my own list of things that make me happy. 🙂
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Fox, thanks for reading. I agree about being vulnerable. It is hard and uncomfortable but can be worth it. I would love to hear your list.
Letting go and acceptance and gratitude! Thanks for these simple reminders – which are so important!
Clare, thanks for reading!
This sounds great – hopefully all you mommas will get in a good state before the kiddos are out of school! I love the idea of a happiness project!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Quinoa Black Bean Burgers
Thank you Sam!
This is such a good idea and I’m glad you posted the reminder. After burning myself out (physically and mentally) as a wife and mom, I am working on setting boundaries and teaching myself that it is okay for me to include myself in those I worry about and take care of, and it has made a big difference already. I’m excited to take the challenge 🙂
Leanne | The Transplanted Southerner recently posted…Thursdays With Mother Nature: Caring for Your Wooden Cutting Board with Essential Oils
Leanne it is so important to put yourself in that list of those you think about. Excited you will be joining the challenge.