This morning, I set my alarm for 6 AM, craving just a bit of quiet time before my children would awaken and require my attention. Let’s be honest, though—I’m practically on call around the clock, especially with a newborn in the house.
When my baby stirred at 4:45 AM for a feeding, I felt a surge of unexpected energy after laying her back down at 5. It was a rare moment; she had just slept for an astonishing six and three-quarters hours—praise be! I could have seized the opportunity to enjoy a hot cup of coffee without interruptions, catch up on my blog, go for a jog, or even take a relaxing shower before my husband needed me to step in with the kids around seven.
Yet, instead of embracing those precious hours of solitude, I did exactly what I vowed not to do. I adjusted the blackout curtains tighter, snuggled back into our warm bed, pulled the covers up to my chin, and surrendered to sleep once more.
As I drifted off, I made a promise to myself: when I woke up two hours later, I wouldn’t berate myself for choosing rest over productivity. Instead, I would treat myself with the same kindness I would offer to a friend in similar circumstances.
I would reassure a friend, “Are you kidding? You shed the weight from your first pregnancy, and you can do it again! But don’t expect it to vanish overnight—give yourself some grace, especially with a seven-week-old baby!”
I would remind her, “Sure, it’s great that your baby slept well last night, but one night of good rest doesn’t erase weeks of sleeplessness.”
I would say, “You have a full plate right now; it’s perfectly okay if your blog isn’t up to date.”
And I would acknowledge, “Let’s be real—you’ve always nursed that same cup of coffee all morning and into the afternoon, even before kids. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee has always been a dream.”
When I finally got up around 7 AM, I felt refreshed. I wasn’t exactly bursting with enthusiasm, but I recognized that I had stumbled on my first task of the day: waking up when I had planned. I wouldn’t judge a friend for hitting snooze after being up all night with a baby, so why should I hold myself to a harsher standard?
We’re all familiar with the Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. It’s often easier to extend kindness to others than to ourselves. So, I’ve decided to adopt a new version of that rule: treat yourself as you would treat a friend. I commit to being more mindful of this practice going forward.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this article about the at-home insemination kit as a practical resource. For those considering fertility options, Dr. Smith shares insights on egg freezing and it’s worth a read. Additionally, Hopkins Medicine provides excellent resources for anyone navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, practicing self-kindness is essential, especially for busy parents. By treating ourselves with the same compassion we offer to others, we can navigate the challenges of motherhood with more grace.