Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about my pre-baby days. The days when I seemed to have had a better handle at life, or so I thought. By that, I mean that my life revolved around me. Now being just a few months away from my 30th birthday and with a very active toddler, I struggle finding time for myself.

Since I’ve had Liam, I’ve sacrificed sleep, proper nutrition, and sanity to make sure that he is well taken care of, safe and happy. Part of being a mom comes with being selfless and putting their needs above your own. It also comes with struggles finding a balance between being a mom, being a wife, and being human.

It’s been two years, two very long years, since Liam has been born and up till even now, balance it’s something that I take day by day.

Every mom is different and you will hear a lot of different advice on social media from the “perfect moms”. If there’s one thing I want you to start doing, it's simply saying no.

I don’t mean no, as in neglecting your child or basic needs, but saying no to things that are not important at the moment.

There are so many moments in the past two years that I wish I had simply said no, even to myself. I remember being so caught up in being the perfect mom and wife that I would sacrifice sleep, eating and “me time”.

What I didn’t realize was that I was pouring from an empty cup. I became irritable, angry, unhealthy physically and with the relationships around me, all because I was being too selfless and didn’t take care of me.

What I’m trying to say is if you find yourself pouring from an empty cup, sleep deprived, becoming irritable and angry with everything and everyone, start saying no.

Say no to lunch dates and play dates.

Say no to the gym.
Say no to cooking and house chores.
Say no to invites or parties.

Saying no doesn’t mean you are selfish.

It doesn’t mean that I won’t do those things, but sometimes a little pause is all we need.

Saying no has given me a better balance in life. Every day is different because life is unpredictable, but taking care of me and my needs has given me the balance, and sanity, I’ve needed all along.

Remember to take care of yourself! Even if it means having a drink :) 

Cheers to being a part of the best hood, motherhood! 

Love always, 

Amy