In the past few weeks, I’ve embarked on a transformative journey of self-care and self-love. It all began when I made a conscious decision to prioritize myself and reclaim my sense of identity. From setting intentions and goals to reigniting my passion for exercise, I’ve been taking meaningful steps to nurture and uplift myself.
This week marked a significant milestone in my self-care journey. With the unwavering support of my loving husband, we established a solid routine that allows me to indulge in my favourite form of exercise—running. The mornings have become my time to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement, while my husband takes charge of our little ones. And in the afternoons, I cherish the opportunity to bond with my boys, Hugo and Noah, as we venture out for a leisurely walk with the pram. These moments not only benefit my physical health but also fill my heart with joy and a deep sense of connection.
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”– Buddha
But it wasn’t always this way. I used to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and trapped in the relentless cycle of motherhood. The weight of responsibility seemed to fall solely on my shoulders, and I struggled to find time for myself amidst the never-ending demands. In my mind, I had somehow convinced myself that asking for help would be a sign of weakness—a failure as a mother. This self-imposed pressure only fuelled my anxiety and bred resentment towards my husband, who was unknowingly caught in the crossfire.
However, my recent birthday surprise changed everything. My husband whisked me away to Melbourne for a night of celebration—a rare and precious getaway in over three years. It felt like we were dating again, with dinner conversations flowing effortlessly and genuine laughter rekindling our connection. The experience was a powerful reminder of the love we share and the importance of nurturing our relationship. It was also a chance for me to detach from the role of a mum and focus on rediscovering my own passions and aspirations.
Returning home from that rejuvenating trip, I felt a newfound sense of clarity and determination. Aligned with my husband’s unwavering support, we decided to implement the “Taking Cara Babies” sleep program for our youngest, Hugo. We recognized the impact that sleep issues were having on our family dynamics and were committed to finding a solution that would benefit us all. With a well-thought-out plan in place, I now have dedicated time for exercise, guilt-free moments of self-indulgence, and a deepened understanding of the importance of self-love.
To celebrate this new chapter in my life, I took the opportunity to invest in myself. I treated myself to new clothes, got a fresh haircut and styled it to reflect my renewed sense of confidence. These simple acts of self-care served as symbols of my commitment to rediscover and embrace the woman I am beyond the role of a devoted mother.
Through this transformative journey, I’ve realized that by prioritizing self-care and nurturing myself, I become a better mother. Taking the time to set goals, exercise, and cherish moments of self-indulgence has given me renewed energy and a greater appreciation for my beautiful family. I am now ready to embrace every little moment, armed with newfound strength, purpose, and unwavering love for both myself and my loved ones.
If you’d like to share your thoughts, comments, or personal experiences related to self-care and motherhood, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to me through the contact form on my website. You can also follow my journey on Instagram for more updates, insights, and inspiration. Let’s connect and support each other on this empowering self-care journey!
