We’re always wanting to change. To progress. Nobody wants to be stagnant. So what’s the secret sauce? I’ve learned through trial and error, that it’s always going to be CONSISTENCY. You can have the best goals in the world and have the best of intentions with accomplishing said goals, but without consistency in your plan, your goals won’t come to fruition.

As a mother to four young girls, I am constantly being pulled in varying directions and sometimes feel so burnt out that by the end of the day, the need to make time for myself just doesn’t pan out. Here are some things (in no particular order) that I have learned throughout my mother-hood journey that have helped me become a better version of myself and to get my mojo back, which has ultimately helped me become a better wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.

1. Write it down.
   • Simple, right? Sometimes the difference between accomplishing a task versus not accomplishing a task really is as simple as writing it down. Whether you are actually physically writing your goals down on a piece of paper or using your notes app on your smart phone, something about visually seeing the words of your goals on paper (or a phone) help internalize what you’re trying to accomplish and make it become more meaningful.
2. Exercise.
   • This is where the consistency part can become difficult because as a tired mom, exercise isn’t always at the top of the “to-do” list. However, starting with something small and simple and short is key to exercise becoming a habit. Something like a 20-minute walk or a 20-minute strength or yoga work-out can provide you with those endorphins that will help you conquer the rest of your day and will help motivate you for the next work-out.
3. Drink lots of water.
   • Water, water, water. Everyone says you need to drink lots of water each day but during the hustle and bustle and the knowledge of “the more you drink the more you’ll have to pee” (I always have to pee 😂), sometimes this gets ignored and placed low on the totem-pole of importance. However, your body will feel more energetic and allow you to accomplish all the things as you make sure your prioritizing the good ol’ H20.
4. Journal.
   • For me, journaling is less about keeping a record and is more about an outlet and way for me to express frustrations, anxieties, or even excitements in life. But journaling can also be used to help work through a problem or decision you need to make personally or for your children or in a relationship. I’ve found that if I spend 10 minutes writing during a time I’m upset about something or something is on my mind that needs to be decided, some sort of clarity comes from the simple act of writing down and sharing with myself my thoughts.
5. Friendships.
   • Girlfriends are necessary as we navigate motherhood and, really, life in general. Having the perspective of a woman and friend can help you feel validated and seen where, let’s get real, sometimes the husbands lack. Someone you can share worries or troubles with, someone you can relate to and laugh with can help boost your day and all it takes is one, solid, good and true friendship.
6. Hygiene.
   • This one might seem obvious, but when I was in the thick of pregnancy, breast-feeding newborns while also caring for my other young children, personal hygiene, sadly, got overlooked. I either didn’t have the energy to shower, brush my hair, brush my teeth, and get dressed each day, or, dealing with post-partum depression, left me feeling like each day just needed to be survived and those simple daily tasks lacked importance at the time. However, if you can set a goal to accomplish just one of those things each day, you will feel proud of yourself, endorphins will kick in and will eventually lead to a greater ability to follow-through with these tasks on a regular basis.
7. Food.
   • Food has the ability to either energize us or leave us feeling lethargic and crummy. When we choose foods that nourish our bodies with needed vitamins and minerals, we are choosing to have the necessary fuel needed to make hard and quick decisions for our children and to physically get us through the day. Starting the day with a nourishing and fulfilling breakfast is an easy way get the day started in the right direction. I like some sort of protein with my carb. So eggs and toast, peanut butter toast, a protein shake, protein balls, or scrambled eggs with veggies are all good options and leave me feeling full but also ready to tackle the day.
8. Make your bed.
   • Such a simple task, but sometimes the most daunting! I’ve found that if I can accomplish this each day, at the beginning of the day, I feel I can accomplish anything that comes my way, simply because I know I already made my bed as it helps set the tone for the entire day. Doing this helps me feel more organized and helps my home feel cleaner (even with a dozen toys laying around the house). At least the bed is made. It also shows myself that I can do this simple task on a consistence basis, so what’s stopping me from accomplishing more tasks consistently?
9. Therapy.
   • I began going to individual therapy for the first time when my youngest daughter was about six months. I was feeling the weight of marriage struggles, mother-hood, family relationship struggles, along with some mental health struggles. Therapy helped me feel validated in my feelings and thoughts as well as gave me a different perspective on how to view it all. I was offered a listening ear and helpful tips and advice and I looked forward to going weekly. As time progressed I started going bi-weekly as I started to progress and get some clarity and more confident in how to deal with life.
10. Spirituality/Meditation.
    • Something that has helped me greatly in being intentional in what I do in my da-to-day life and helps me cultivate peace in my life, is being mindful and focusing on my spirituality. Focusing on my religion and investing in my relationship with God through studying scripture and prayer has enlightened me but also gives me greater perspective on my life and purpose and helps answer the question of “why” I do what I do and live my life the way I choose to live it. Whether practicing a religion or not, working on our spirituality by meditating and being mindful can provide us with a perspective in knowing there is hope and goodness and can provide us with a broader “lens”, so-to-speak, in knowing there is more to life than our limited view. It can inspire us to go out and serve. To be less focused on ourselves and more focused on what we can offer to our families and to our communities.

Well, there you have it. Whether you’re new to mother-hood or you’re a long-standing veteran, I hope you can relate to this post and find something on here that helps inspire and motivate you to becoming an even better version of yourself. ❤️

xoxo Kellie ☀️