One would think that it is a no-brainer to make sure you take time out to relax and care for yourself. Not so, especially of you are a mother or one that gives to many. As a mother you feel as though you are being selfish to take the time out that you need. On the flip side, there are those that will say you are being selfish. I was of the former group.... but as often any longer!
I can remember feeling guilty for taking time out for myself, especially when my son was small. I am sure that I am not the only one that has felt this way. It is always about what the child needs, specifically for single-mothers. Now he is grown and no longer lives with me, in fact we are 800 miles apart.
Nonetheless, I still find it difficult at times to find the time to just concentrate on what I need. You see, I often find myself doing what I do naturally, which is to encourage and pour into others. On occasion, this leaves me feeling empty and depleted of energy. That feeling of being exhausted and needing to sleep the day away overtakes me. Is that you also?
It is in and during these moments that I reflect on the fact that I did not or have not been intentional about replenishing my cup. I remember that I need to be doing the activities that give me joy or relaxation. I need to pour from a full cup; from the overflow of my cup not a half or nearly empty cup.
What is something that you like to do to replenish your cup? One of the things that I enjoy in those moments are a steaming hot bubble bath. Now, I like for the water to have a heavenly scent, that wafts in the air to help relax me. I prefer candles or low lighting and some soft worship music or smooth jazz is a must! Setting the atmosphere helps to transport my mind to another place if only for a few moments.
But what I love most of all is the feeling of lathering some oil or cream to nourish and hydrate my skin after the bath. I am always in search of something that is not too greasy or sticky. Something light that either has no scent or a light scent (my allergies do not allow or heavy scents.) What I love to try most are all-natural products.
Let me share with you a product line that I was recently introduced to on IG... Ancient Cosmetics. This is an all-natural line, handmade in the USA. The product that I tried is the Double Butter... it is made of shea butter and cocoa butter combined (It also has coconut oil in it. I’ll drop the link below.) I love that all of the ingredients are words you can pronounce, the scent is very light, it is not heavy at all. But most importantly, it is not sticky! I absolutely detest sticky products on my skin.
I put it to the ultimate tests to see how well it works, I put it on my grandson and his skin was soft and hydrated even after rolling around on the floor. Secondly, I shared with my mom, whose skin drinks everything. This product remained on much longer than other products we have tried.
Ancient Cosmetics has a plethora of other products that I will be trying as well, especially the facial and hair products. I am always looking for ways to care for my natural hair and skin.
So, whether you take a bath like I do, go for a walk in the park, go on vacation or a retreat, self-care is of the utmost importance. No matter what it is, it is not selfish to care for yourself. In fact, it is the most selfless act we can give to others. Let’s commit to taking time for ourselves at least once a month. Can you do that with me?
Ancient Cosmetics
Check out their website and let me know which products you tried to incorporate into your self-care routine. Here is the link for the Dry Skin Double Butter: https://ancientcosmeticz.com/products/luxury-double-butter-shea-butter-cocoa-butter?_pos=1&_sid=bd643f417&_ss=r
Commentaires