Honor Yourself, Mom: How I Finally Learned to Practice Self-Care by Kandice Cole

As a first-time mom, I knew that self-care was important. I had an entire list of activities I was ready to complete. Yet, I found it hard to do any of those things, even when I had downtime from the baby.

When my daughter turned 1, I joined an online group about creating inspired routines. I was skeptical, but desperately wanted to feel inspired. The moderator spent very little time giving us specific routines. Rather, she encouraged us to think about ourselves with more tenderness, just like we did with our own children.

Even when I felt exhausted, I found energy to care for my daughter because I love her so much. I slowly began to realize that I was just as precious and deserving of love, too. Self-care became less about fulfilling an obligation and more about honoring myself.

It’s an honor to take care of me. An honor to cultivate me. An honor to allow myself to rest. Leaning into that simple truth made it easier to practice self-care consistently.

I finally understood why it mattered so much and that why was a catalyst for inspired action. As you navigate motherhood, may you always remember how valuable you are and treat yourself accordingly.