Permission to Take Care of YOU {by Laurie Tomlinson}



Hello, friends! It's Laurie Tomlinson coming at you on the other side of a crazy few weeks. There was a teacher walkout here in Oklahoma for 2+ weeks, so my kids were home. There were new responsibilities at work and writing deadlines. There was an out-of-town funeral involving a canceled flight with two small children and driving home in the middle of the night.

Shoo-ey, Mama.

I know you all have been busy, too. You've been multitasking to get things done, making sure everyone around you is taken care of, and whisking from here to there in your hectic, beautiful daily life. But I want to encourage you to take good care of yourself, too!

Today was the first day both of my kids were in school, and this is how I spent it: 
  • Exercising in the sunshine and drinking lots of water
  • Curled up with my manuscript, a pretty pen, and a spring candle for a little fanciness
  • Eating a real lunch on a real plate with real vegetables (since it's been a lot of leftover sandwich crusts for mama on paper plates these days!)
  • Listening to relaxing music and podcasts
  • Wandering the library and picking a book for my end-of-deadline reward
  • Taking a walk with my family when they got home
  • Indulging in a cookie from my favorite bakery
Whether you're the type who finds rejuvenation in Netflix or naps, buttercream or bubble baths, wine or walking in the sunshine, don't forget to take care of yourself. Even if everything on your list isn't finished. Even if there's no logical or productive value in the act. Even if you don't know how you'll ever find the time. You have permission.

But there's one common denominator I know we can all make time for: BOOKS. If you need some recommendations, look no further than the sidebar!
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About the author: Laurie Tomlinson is an award-winning contemporary romance author and cheerleader for creatives. She believes that God’s love is unfailing, anything can be accomplished with a good to-do list, and that life should be celebrated with cupcakes and extra sprinkles. Her debut novel, With No Reservations, is now available from Harlequin Heartwarming. You can connect with Laurie on her websiteFacebook page, and Instagram.

Comments

  1. A great way to spend a day--something we all need from time to time.

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  2. I agree with Liz. You made the most of a day--especially taking the time to wander in the library. Nothing better than that!

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  3. A netflix afternoon is my not so guilty pleasure when I need a break. Hope things settle down for you now, Laurie.

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    1. Nothing to be guilty about at all. Thank you, Leigh!

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  4. Last week I was dog sitting at my daughter's while they went on vacation. She had a bouquet of flowers on the table where I set up my laptop. It was so nice to have the flowers nearby as I worked I decided to do the same thing at home...just a little, visual treat.

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    1. Yes! A little fanciness makes work more enjoyable.

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  5. What a lovely day, a celebration of you. Good job!

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  6. You've had a rough few weeks. I'm so glad that you're getting a chance to slow down and relax. This is a great reminder to all of us!

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  7. You certainly took advantage of your day without children! I love all the activities on your list. Giving ourselves permission to take care of ourselves is hard, but so needed. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. I'm a firm believer that it makes you a better mom/worker/person in general!

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful day, Laurie. My fave day of indulgence is a Netflix binge - maybe with a bag of chips. And really, these rare days are never wasted, are they, and should never be regretted. Except maybe for my bag of chips.....

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  9. Sorry to say I can't remember the last time I did nothing and just chilled...unless it was a planned retreat and somehow I don't think that counts. lol

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    1. It doesn't happen often enough, that's for sure. But there are little breaks we can take in the midst of the work to make it seem less like work, I think!

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  10. Oh, Laurie, I want to come spend that day with you! Except that would kind of defeat the purpose of your alone time, huh? Why is it so difficult to put ourselves first? I know it's important to recharge my battery, yet I feel like I'm always running around with that my low-battery warning on.

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  11. Sounds like you had a really nice day.
    I take time for myself each day because it relaxes me. I’m outside now, in my car and under a shady tree sipping coffee and catching up on emails. Then I will read some of my book. It feels good to do that.

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