Mamaw's Advice - pamper yourself!

It is so easy for us women to get so busy looking out for everyone and everything else that we can neglect ourselves. When I begin to feel like I have given all that I have to give, a little self pampering can make a big difference.  

Earlier this week I mentioned that I was going to share some great advice from my Mother-In-Law. Unfortunately, mothers-in-law often get a bad rap. Mine, however, was wonderful and she often gave very sound advice like the time my son Ethan decided to use his bedroom walls as a sketch pad. Her advice was, “Ah, just leave it there and date it.”   

As liberating as that golden nugget was, a different piece of advice is what I have integrated most fully into my daily life. It came not long after I had my second baby. Mamaw was there to help me and at one point sat down beside me and simply said, “Make sure to take some time for yourself everyday.” I’ve learned over the years that time for myself doesn’t always mean time by myself, but sometimes it does. Here is a short list of my favorites.

My Top 3 Ways to Pamper Myself

My Mother-In-Law, Dot Liner; A woman
with great advice.

1.  Curl up with a good book
I love to read. I prefer fiction, especially a good suspense thriller with a hint of romance. I recently finished The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark. I am always on the hunt for my next good read. Perhaps you can point me in a good direction.

2.  Climb into a nice hot bubble bath 
This usually takes place after dinner. It is good because I can fit it into whatever amount of time I can muster. I have become a collector of bath salts, beads, oils, etc. I truly love a wonderful smelling bubble bath. And all the better if I take with me a good suspense thriller with a hint of romance.
  
3.  Catch a cup of tea with a friend 
There is a sweet little coffee shop not far from my house. Sometimes a few minutes of mature female conversation with one of my friends is just what the doctor called for (you know, the kind where the other person speaks in complete grammatically correct sentences).

Mamaw understood that we can feel guilty about taking time for ourselves. But she also understood that when we are physically and emotionally refreshed we can enjoy giving of ourselves to those we care so much about. So my advice to you is,take some time for yourself every day.  Oh, and the next time little junior decides to use your walls as a sketch pad perhaps you should just leave it there and date it.

Robin Liner is a wife, mother of six, and the female mind behind the plus size women's brand TheCasualWoman.com. Her busy lifestyle makes her a champion for quality casual clothing that can stand the test of time.