| 10/2006 - Stand and Salute Yourself |
By: By Ashley Driggs - October 2006
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I’m a mom. A very dedicated, unconditionally loving and extremely proud mom. It’s these traits that cause me to do as most moms do. I put my family first and myself last. At dinner, I’m usually just sitting down to eat as everyone else is clearing their plates. It’s not uncommon for me to get in the shower at bedtime on a Saturday once the boys are all bathed after a full day of play. Only after I’ve folded the last Onesie do I proceed with my own laundry. And, I can’t exactly recall the last time I bought myself a new outfit or pair of shoes, but I’ll be darned if my children don’t have back-to-school shoes and a new jacket for the winter. That’s a mom’s way. That’s what we do.
What’s the Army slogan? The toughest job you’ll ever love? That’s how I feel about motherhood. Yet, I know lots of you can identify when I say that I sometimes feel unappreciated. That’s why, in light of this issue’s focus on women’s health, I encourage all moms to take a special interest in themselves, and do it happily ... without hesitation ... and without guilt ... just once.
Set up (and actually go to) your annual doctor’s appointments. No excuses for canceling, not even if your daughter’s gymnastics practice gets rescheduled. Stash away a little bit of money every week and when you’ve got enough saved, go buy yourself something you’ve been wanting. Plunk your money down at the checkout counter with a smile, and forget about that new Thomas the Train DVD you passed in the movie section that your son’s been begging you for.
I’m challenging you — my fellow mothers, my cohorts in parenthood — to make a change in your lives. Pamper yourself a little more. Do it for your sake. Do it for your happiness. Do it for your health. And in all honesty, some of us will even be doing it for our sanity.
Here’s a suggestion: take your copy of Cincinnati Family and a nice, hot cup of tea, cocoa, decaf, whatever, and enjoy a nice, slow read. This month’s issue features a lot of great info. “Pink is for Girls” on page 22 features a local family’s journey from breast cancer diagnosis to treatment and beyond. “The Challenge of Infertility” (page 25) explains what a woman can expect when facing the unexpected hurdles that infertility brings. New this month is “Kids’ Health” in the FYI section on page 13. Here you’ll find all the latest in health and wellness that pertains to your family. When you’re looking for the top picks in the season’s fun, make sure to consult the “Fall Fun Special” in our calendar on page 32. Learn why children fib and how to handle it when dishonesty becomes an issue in “The Truth About Honesty” on page 16. And, when it comes to housework, get the whole family involved with “Chores: It’s All in the Cards” on page 19.
Take care of yourselves, ladies. Until next time. |
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