Fill your cup, mama
“To be a good parent, you need to take care of yourself so that you can have the physical and emotional energy to take care of your family.” – Michelle Obama
If I were to give you one piece of advice on self-care it would be this:
Whatever it was that fed you before you became a parent – art, music, dance, sitcoms, your favourite take-out, reading, writing, lying in the sun, researching, schooling, design, hiking, working-out, team sport, craft… WHATEVER it was- make space for it!
Guard and protect that sacred space for YOU with all you have.
You deserve it.
Your children deserve a parent who gets what they need and who fills their own cup in order to then be able to fill others.
Find your “thing” and do it. Throw away the guilt. Get creative and make it work!💫
Today, I want to share with you a few of the things I do to help me fill my cup
Filling My Cup: Skin-Care Routine
One of my first self-care routines as a pre-teen (at least in terms of a physical routine) was a skincare regimen.
I struggled with acne for many years until a more holistic diet, balanced hormones (that came with age and pregnancy) and a skincare routine that suits my unique skin type came into play. It’s quite amazing what bright, clear skin does for your self-confidence.
I have toyed with homemade products and simple oil cleansing in the past, but I have finally accepted the reality that I have the type of skin that needs a little more professional help to stay even, smooth and blemish-free.
I have used Beautycounter products for a few years now and act as a consultant for many of you in the community who were looking for a quality skincare regime that is effective, safe, clean and ethical.
My Personal Skincare Routine includes:
🌙 Night
– Countertime Cleansing oil
– Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel in the evenings or microneedling (not via. Beautycounter products)
– Counter+ No 1 Brightening Oil
☀️Day
– Countertime Lipid Defence Cleansing oil
– Counter+ No 1 Brightening Oil
– Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream in the colder months when I need an extra layer of protection
– Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer 20 SPF
Beautycounter is having a 15% off site wide sale for a limited time right now – the perfect time to try something new.
👉🏼 You can click here to sign up with me as your Consultant. Feel free to DM me with any questions you have (@meaganrosewilson). Your support with any of my affiliate links and product recommendations helps me to continue to share free resources with the community here and on the website.
In terms of body care- I DO infuse my own oils with herbs and use them every morning and evening. You can find more insights in this in my Herbalism highlight on my Instagram @meaganrosewilson. 🌿
Filling My Cup: Journaling
Developing a regular journaling practice has been shown to:
📓 Boost mood
📓 Reduce symptoms of anxiety and mild depression
📓 Reduce intrusive and avoidant thoughts related to PTSD
📓 Improve working memory
📓 Increase creativity
📓 Enhance self-awareness and mindfulness
If you want to try journalling but you’re not sure where or how to start, one technique you can remember from the Center of Journal Therapy is the acronym WRITE:
What is the subject of your entry?
Review/Reflect on the subject
Investigate your feelings further
Time yourself (10-15 min/day)
Exit smart with questions that promote further introspection and self-analysis
Filling My Cup: Gratitude Practices
A gratitude practice is a spiritual one. The world is busy, it’s messy and it can be really, really dark.
Grounding in the simplest of gratitudes each day is deeply therapeutic.
There are really simple apps that make it easier than ever to record what you’re thankful for each day. I am currently using a paper journal but sometimes I use an app called Grateful: a Gratitude Journal.
Try this practice for one week and then come back here and tell me how much it changed. I promise you- you’ll be grateful you did it!💫
Final Words
Self-Care does not have to mean massages, manicures and spa days.
Most Self-Care Practises are FREE and are as simple as:
☕️ A cup of calming tea in silence
🛁 A hot bath or a long shower and body oils
📺 Winding down with a favourite TV show
❤️ 1:1 connecting with a parenting partner (could be a grandparent, aunt or friend!)
🚽 Going to the bathroom when you need to!
📱 A phone call with a trusted friend or family member
🧘🏽♂️A walk outside, a sit spot or some inner work practice
🙅🏻♀️ Holding boundaries with children
🏋🏻♀️ Lifting weighs, yoga, cycling, running or other physical exercise
🎨 Artistic expression- music, art, dance
💌 Group messaging with close friends
🛌 Getting regular sleep & resting when you need to
🐕 Time with a beloved pet
🧑🏽⚕️Staying up to date with dentist and doctor’s appointments for yourself
🍶 Drinking enough water throughout the day
☀️ Getting some sunshine
I don’t share often about my coaching practice because I love sharing bite-sized parenting ideas that are accessible to everyone on this platform. But, sometimes the most effective and inspiring guidance comes from real-life conversation and connection. And asking for help when you need it is an important part of self-care.
As a parent educator and coach, I am acutely aware of how unique every family’s value system, culture and lifestyle can be. My focus on rhythm, reverence and ritual is informed by my training as a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator, a Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach and my own experience raising four young children.
When you work with me we will focus our time and attention on the specific challenge you want to address and create a conscious and connected plan of action that is in alignment with your parenting paradigm and the developmental needs of your children.
Some of the things I’m working with current clients on are:
– establishing a strong daily rhythm
– establishing a strong set of family values
– screentime limits, holding those boundaries and/or cutting back on screentime
– making a space for quiet time
– making more space and time for parents
Sometimes all it takes is dedicating a small amount of time, a little guidance and a shift in perspective to transform a challenge into an opportunity. If you’re ready to invest that time in yourself and your family sign up via the profile link above today.
I love nothing more than helping parents find their true north on the parenting journey.
