It's a Bundt

I've been thinking a lot this week about NEEDS vs. WANTS.

You see, for a long time I've felt like it made most sense to put my NEEDS/WANTS to the side and focus on my kids' or other peoples' NEEDS/WANTS before my own. (Now clearly I'm not doing without running water, dr. visits, shelter, etc. But you get my point.)

I think I've done this primarily because it's a mom-thing to do. It's kind of part of the job description (sacrifice).

But I think I've also done this because my all-time pet peeve is selfishness. I can't stand it. And I think I often equate selfishness with putting yourself BEFORE others. 

(You know what I'm talking about? Those people that are okay putting their own happiness before the group's happiness: "One hot dog left? 12 people at the BBQ need to eat? That hot dog is all mine. Up yours 11 other people.")

Anyhow, my point!

This past month I've started to revise my thinking on this notion of self vs. others and needs vs. wants. 

I'm beginning to realize that there is value to taking care of our personal needs/wants from time-to-time--and in fact, there are times when we have to put ourselves first.

Why?

Because the lifeguard can't save a drowning person unless they (lifeguard) are strong, fit, alert, and prepared.

Translation =

If you are not well, prepared, happy, fill in the blank, you are NO GOOD to others/society/your family/etc.

Now clearly I'm not a lifeguard, but there are lots of other metaphors that clarify my point:

* A dull saw doesn't cut wood (well).

* A pencil without an eraser can't erase.

* A lamp without a lightbulb doesn't light the room.

* If momma aint happy, then nobody's happy. (Not a metaphor, but good point.)

You see, we are MUCH better at loving other people and tending to others' needs when we have a full charge on our own battery. (I'll stop with the metaphors now. I'm beginning to think my kids are going to go out in the world and think their mom was literally a lifeguard or pencil or a saw.)

But again, my point (eek--focus, Dawn):

Moms and caretakers out there, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Don't wait another day. Take today and do something for yourself:

* Get the glitter toes. Happy toes make for 3 happy months of open-toed shoes.

* Make the casserole with onions--even if you are the only one that eats onions. Heaven knows you've been accommodating tiny people's dietary restrictions for years now.

* Let the kids walk home from school for a whole week. We don't live on a farm. The red school house isn't 2.7 miles away. Half-Pint and Nelly can walk for a week and help mom save some gas AND sanity.

* Buy the blue bundt pan at Target. It's only $10.00 AND you've looked at it every week for 4 months. Go home, make a dang bundt cake--AND EAT THE WHOLE THING SOLO. With a coke if you want. Whatever makes your heart sing.

Now clearly these are just hypotheticals.


But you get my point.


And I do have one.

Or two.

PS: 

Happy almost birthday Camry! Last weekend as a 12 year old. Woo hoo!