Dear Diary,

When I became a mom, I slid several spaces down my priority list. I bypassed my favorite stores and bought kid couture at shopping malls. I stocked my kitchen cabinets with Cheerios, Goldfish and other finger foods. I scheduled pediatrician appointments, preschool tours and professional photo shoots. As I made the world go round for my child, my world outside of motherhood stood still.  But now I’m finally taking time to take care of myself—well, at least when something comes up.

I Scheduled a Doctor’s Appointment

A couple of days ago, my throat started to feel sore. I blamed it on the change in temperature and didn’t let the minor ailment hold me down. I went to work and the pain progressively got worse. When I went to the doctor, I was diagnosed with strep throat. Since the condition’s contagious, my aunts volunteered to keep my daughter overnight. If I didn’t take time to take care of myself, I may have been nursing a sick child this week as well.

I Went to the Dentist

Last month, I had a similar incident occur. My gums felt tender, so I called the dentist for a cleaning and exam. I learned that a cavity cracked.  Despite having insurance—without a copay, I hadn’t sat in a dentist’s chair in a year.

I Got a Massage, Mani, Pedi & Makeover

To celebrate my birthday, I spent the day at a salon.  It was long overdue! My massage therapist had to pull out a heated bamboo stick to loosen my tight muscles.

I Started to Workout

I haven’t been inside a gym, since I gave birth almost two years ago. To motivate myself out of a workout rut, I created a Dirty Girls run team called First Time Mudders. Next month, I’ll join other moms who don’t mind getting their hands dirty for a good cause. We’ll raise money for breast cancer and push each other outside of comfort zones as we push through a 5K mud filled obstacle course.

Although I’m still not at the top of my priority list, I’m working my way up each day. This year, I plan to schedule appointments in advance instead of waiting until something goes wrong. I am learning that in order to make the world go round for everyone else, I must make my world more balanced.

Hey DFTM Fam–How do you remember to make yourself a priority?

About The Author

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

7 Responses

  1. Sheena Tatum

    I’m starting to treat myself more often, grabbing my favorite foods/cute clothes/accessories. On Mother’s Day, my mom and I got mani’s. I haven’t painted my nails in about a year. I try to keep my toes done though. I need to go to the dentist, but I’m scared! I need to work out as well. That 30 day squat challenge is pretty tempting.

    Reply
    • firsttimemom

      I know! My manicurist today was shaking his head! lol Let me know how the squat challenge goes!

      Reply
  2. Amiyrah

    I’ve made a point of adding a “me” section on my daily to-do list. Everyday, I make myself do something just for me. It may be only reading a book for 10 minutes, or giving myself a pedicure, but it’s an “assignment” that I must accomplish for me each day. I’ve been a better Mom and wife since I started this.

    Reply
    • firsttimemom

      What a great idea! Today I FINALLY got a mani and pedi for thw warm weather. Met time means I can break out my sandals! lol

      Reply
  3. Arelis Cintron

    This seems to be advice that every mom seems to give, remember to take care of you. I know its probably easier said than done so I try and do these things for myself now.

    Reply
  4. MELISASource

    Kudos to you!!! I love the things you did for yourself–these are things that all Moms need to make time to do for themselves (including me! LOL) Thanks so much for sharing1

    Reply
  5. MJ
    MJ

    I’m still finding it hard to make time for me. Doctor/dentist visits I do but that’s pretty much it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.