Letting Go of the Guilt

Today at the Gym, I learned how to do cardio the right way, but I'll talk about that later because Guilt has been on my mind today.

I'm sure a lot of us women/moms have guilt issues about taking time for ourselves. I definitely do. We need to realize that taking care of ourseves is good for our children and household, not just us. We will be more active, more happy and will live more years without someone wiping our drool. Plus, we will be setting a fantastic example for our children. They learn how to be by watching us - and we don't want them to grow up with health problems. No way.

I have been extreme about this guilt thing in the past. I have worked from home for years, which means I don't stop at 5:00 or 6:00 - or on weekends. There are ALWAYS things that I feel people are waiting for me to get done. Some of my friends have heard this before, but a few years ago, I didn't like to be out taking a walk because I was afraid people would see me and KNOW that I wasn't working.

I am not that bad now, but I am worried about exercising and meal planning taking time away from getting work done. Thank goodness I don't cook (that's Ty's job) so the exercise time is what I'm worried about most.

Even reading the book, Younger Next Year, is a bit of a struggle because I am taking some time here and there for myself instead of work. The only books I have ever read are self-improvement books and instruction manuals. (And I usually only get through the first 2 or 3 chapters.) I envy those who can relax with a good book - I have no idea what that's like.

I must put it on my schedule as if it is "work" and let go of the guilt. After all, if I am healthier, my mind will be more clear and I will do a better job.