February 2010

TAKING CARE. Jennifer’s 40-day journey to becoming a better parent.

This year I resolved to take better care of myself. My 40^th birthday is looming, and my doctor is concerned about my cholesterol level—making me feel even more middle-aged. So the very first thing I did in 2010 was attend a yoga class on New Year’s Day, after a six-year hiatus. I had never been a consistent yogi, but I missed the incredible feeling of peace I had upon exiting the yoga studio.

The studio I chose was Franklin Street Yoga in Chapel Hill, which teaches Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. This is an intense, challenging flow practice, and I am sadly not in my best shape; even so I still felt great after that first class. Sure, I looked at the clock more than once and wondered if I could make it till Shavasana, the restful corpse pose that concludes the practice, but I did. And I wanted more.

The studio was offering a special workshop, 40 Days to Personal Revolution, beginning at the end of January. It involved daily meditation, six days of yoga practice weekly, and personal exploration This seemed nearly impossible for me to do with all the obligations of motherhood, but my husband promised to help me find the time. I am now in my fourth week, and I feel like a new person.

Our lives have been stressful as we adjust to living in Chapel Hill and remodel our 40+ year-old house, not to mention all the demands of parenthood. Needless to say I was not the most patient mother. Since beginning my yoga practice I have found that my patience has increased, and I am enjoying my girls more as I learn to be present in the moment. I still have my moments where patience is in short supply, and I have found that I haven’t been able to do every aspect of the 40-day regime, but I am doing the best I can to accept what I can do.

When I started I thought the results would be primarily physical, but they have been so much more than that. I feel centered and happy. My family appreciates the changes in me and is reaping the benefits.

Not every mom can make such a dramatic change in her life or make such a large commitment to taking care of herself as I have, but one thing motherhood has taught me is to take what you can get, and sometimes good enough is just that. “Something is better than nothing” has proven to be a valuable mantra. With this in mind, I want to encourage you to do something just for you—no excuses! It can be something little, maybe something free. Start by reaching out to your mom friends. Ask them if they would watch your kids while you attend to yourself. Offer to return the favor, and I am sure they won’t be able to refuse.

Here is a short list of suggestions that are free or affordable:

1. Origins offers free mini-facials by appointment.

2. Yoga studios often have a free trial class for new students.

3. Try a pilates mat class and gain core strength to support you throughout your day.

4. Leave your husband in charge and meet a mom for a glass of wine.

5. No one to watch the kids? Invite a mom over for a dinner play date, pop in a movie for the kids, and enjoy a good chat

6. And of course Lullaby Exercising, it will make you and your chickens feel great. Even if they are no longer infants get them to join you. They’ll get exercise and you will get a kick out of watching them try to do the “mama groove“. Lullaby Exercises is now available through video on demand at Amazon.com, you can rent it for just $1.99, an excellent entertainment bargain!

Do it today. Investing in yourself will result in big dividends for your whole family. I can’t guarantee it will make you a better mom, but I am willing to bet that it will.

~ Jennifer