I am a responsible mom. The mom who throughly cleans the house before my grandkids, friends, and in-laws come over, even though I know the combined kids (thirteen of them) will completely mess up the house.
I am a diligent mom. We have family dinners and nightly storytime. My kids always have clean clothes. We listen to Bible songs in the car.
I am a thoughtful mom. I encourage my kids. I (rarely) raise my voice. I listen to my kids and make eye contact with them when I do.
I am an exhausted mom. It’s hard work being responsible, being diligent, being thoughtful.
I am a mom who needs a break once in a while. Even though I don’t like to admit it. I think that I can keep going, going, going. (I can’t.)
Recently, I had the chance to write the novelization for Moms’ Night Out. One section talks about a mom’s need for “oxygen.” And in the novel it goes something like this:
Instead of anger at [Allyson] making plans without asking [Sean], his face brightened. “You know how a flight attendant goes through the safety thing?” He talked with his hands, emphasizing his words, walking back toward them. “You know when you have to put on your oxygen first before assisting others?”
Allyson’s brow furrowed, and she wondered where he was going with this. “Are we flying somewhere is this what we’re doing?” She cocked her head to the side.
“You need your oxygen mask, Allyson. You need your mask on, before assisting others.” He pointed his fingers to Allyson, then to Bridget and then back to her. “Right? Before you can help others.”
I remember watching this movie and writing that scene. I also told myself, “I need to pay attention to this.” It wasn’t a passing thought. I told myself to REALLY pay attention.
For years (honestly) I rarely took a break. I went and went and went. And then I crashed. I’d get emotional. I’d feel like I was the Worst. Mom. Ever. I needed . . . oxygen. Yes, I needed (and still need) to pay attention to that cinematic advice.
Four ways to get oxygen:
- A long conversation with a friend. With no kids around. To talk about adult stuff. To share dreams. To talk about shoes or a Scripture verse you read this week. On the phone is fine. In person is better.
- A date night with your husband to watch a movie you really want to see. A movie that doesn’t have dancing puppets or talking animals. A movie that will cause your heart to pound or make you laugh or cry—your choice.
- A visit to the library. Or the mall. Or the park. Or the museum—wherever you can get charged up.
- Or, like in the movie Moms’ Night Out, go out with a group of friends. Dress up. Go out for a nice dinner. Or . . . maybe a fun night of roller skating or bowling.
Moms may feel guilty for getting oxygen, but when we care for ourselves, we’re able to care for others even better. Everyone, even diligent, thoughtful, and exhausted moms, need oxygen. Where are you going to get yours today?
I’m giving away two copies of Moms’ Night Out! Enter using the widget below. Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win.
Blessings,
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To get some “oxygen”, I would like to get together with some friends and go have a meal together then see a movie. Connecting with friends brings a fresh perspective on life.
My favorite way to “get oxygen” is to have over a friend with children, so that her children can entertain mine while she and I have tea and chat together.
A long talk with my best friend always gives me “oxygen.”
Just some time away from the schedule and planning for our homeschool.
I love this analogy! I’ve been thinking about how to get some time to myself. I tend to run errands without my girls. Even a few minutes roaming up and down the aisles at the grocery store helps.
First, I have to say I love this post. Sometimes I feel like a terrible mother for needing time alone, because they always need me. My favorite way to get oxygen is having dinner with friends. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it is so refreshing…and my hubby is so supportive of this.
Favorite ways to get oxygen into my life are: walks in a park or a place with a lot of nature and few cars, do some doodling, read a good book for myself (not for homeschooling or for planning our homeschool), do some scrapbooking (digital or paper), play on the Wii.
Yes please! Need this!!
Thank for this post and most especially, the reminder. I choose to read for “oxygen”. Even listening to books while folding laundry or cooking helps. :o)
I have not done any of those in forever. I am not even sure I have a oxygen mask. But God is good and faithful.
Thanks for the gift and for sharing your God-given talent with me. I truly appreciated it.
Peace to you.
Through exercise or quiet time at the pool with a book. 🙂
Go for a walk. Normally I only get time away if I do something like go grocery shopping.
I get oxygen from shopping…alone! whew! It’s a treat 🙂
Sleep. Its my favorite.
Getting to read!
Sometimes it is just getting to bed at the end of the day. Lately it has been such a relief.
Taking a nice hot bubble bath and reading a good book!
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