The Best Free Gift to Myself for Mother’s Day

OUR day is coming. The one day we are celebrated while wishing OUR day was celebrated monthly, weekly, or how about daily … Mother’s Day.

Sure we appreciate the day off, the spa gift certificate, our sparkling cleaned car, and even the breakfast in bed but have you thought about gifting yourself?  Many moms I’ve had conversations with are low maintenance and honestly do not expect anything on Mother’s Day. Y’all know that’s a little white lie. Heck yes, I am expecting the newest Kate Spade bag, a trip to Bora Bora, a nanny for a year, a housekeeper, Beyoncé’s bank account, and a personal shopper … then I wake up from what has been just a dream. After that one special day of appreciation, where I press pause on my routines, only for the next day to come and I’m playing catch up. Sundays are my weekly prep day and OUR day always is on Sunday.

While playing catch up, I often find myself mouthing two words so often to where they start to feel like daggers to my tongue. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for packing your sandwich in a zip lock instead of a YumBox, I’m sorry you are having a meltdown, I’m sorry you don’t like the outfit you picked out to wear, I’m sorry my house looks like Target’s toy aisle has exploded in my living room, I’m sorry my house isn’t Pinterest worthy, I’m sorry we are eating Wendy’s $1.99 kid meals, and the list continues. I’m sure you can add to the list of I’m sorry. The apologies will never stop because that is just what we do and it is okay. However, stop saying I’m sorry when it comes to doing YOU … My free gift to myself and to you is to stop saying “I’m Sorry” for taking time yourself … Happy Mother’s Day!!

Being on the cover of Vogue

Red lip. Curled hair. New shoes. Floral perfume. Thick lashes. Fresh manicure. Whoa … that sounds like a lot just typing. Fortunately, sometimes we are able to carve time out to glam up and out in the AM looking like a model from a fashion magazine. Then there are  mornings where you’ve reset the alarm 7 extra times, and now you are moving a mile a minute trying to get the kids dressed and do not even think about putting an entire outfit on. Then “those” mornings where it’s bed hair, bugs in your eyes, mismatched flip flops, chipped nail polish and possibly wrinkled clothes. Do not apologize for sleeping in those extra 7 resets because you deserve it, and although you may not be magazine ready, your sweet babies will be. I know I would love to walk out my house daily looking like Tyra Banks, but sometimes I like to rock the exact opposite with leftover lipstick and mascara from the night before.

Skipping Bedtime

It’s that week night where you can not, and will absolutely not, miss your show. The nightly routine quickly becomes speed night routine and baths may be skipped too. Because this momma is not missing her show. As for that bedtime story, what bedtime story? Or maybe that 12 page book magically turned into a 2 pager. Go enjoy your show and leave the I’m sorry for another night.

Not Eating Dinner

Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to eat that nutritious meal Ive prepared for my family and would rather stop through a drive thru before carline. The kids do not need to know you’ve just indulged in another 5 course meal that consisted of fries, high fructose corn syrup, chocolate, ice cream, alcohol, and Red dye No 40. We are adults and indulging sometimes is the self care we deserve. The kids NEVER need to know.

Being Hungover

Friday night at Jazz Fest or Meril was a fun night out with friends and maybe you had just one too many or even just one. That one took you back to that one night in college. That night was bottoms up. You wake up with the birds flying around your head and little hands begging for breakfast at 5 am. Don’t they know you just got home 3 hours ago from reliving that one time in college night? No need to apologize for enjoying your night and not being able to hold your head high enough to flip some pancakes. Throw some waffles in the toaster and call Techi, the virtual babysitter, aka tablets, YouTube, cartoons.

Momma, you’re doing a great job!

A wise, veteran mom told me once if you put your kids before you and just love them, you can’t go wrong, and always take a little time for yourself without the guilt.

I hope your Mother’s Day is everything and more. Happy Mother’s Day!

Nette Archangel
Originally from the village of Loreauville, Nette along with her wife, Jasmine and their two sons, Thomas and Lane moved to their favorite city after residing in Ruston, LA. . She is an education administrator who loves living in NOLA. When not running after the brodudes, you can find her organizing, planning, and jamming to Carrie Underwood. Already busy with supporting education and family, she finds time to be involved with the LGBT Community by serving as an administrator for NOLA GAY FAMILIES. Her goal in life is to acquire Carrie Underwood legs and to eat an entire salad one day (she's super picky eater)! Follow her on IG: @[email protected]

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