2020 started so well. I was finishing up covering a maternity leave, we were about to leave for an amazing California vacation, and my youngest would be turning two soon. I've said it before, I'm not much of a New Year's resolution kind of gal. However, I was in the mood to start holding myself accountable for taking care of myself. My personality leads me to take care of everyone else before myself. Anyone else? This was my year to practice more self-care in order to care for my family even better. 

I finished covering the maternity leave and that was great. I love to teach and I love being a stay-at-home mom so being able to teach every once in awhile has not only kept me in the loop on the educational front, but it has also allowed me a little professional time.

The end of January: We all went to California on a wonderful adventure my husband planned from San Diego to Huntington Beach to Disneyland to Beverly Hills. It was an adventure and so much fun. 

Self-care was enjoying the trip through their eyes and relaxing at our amazing hotels. 

February: My youngest turned two. How is he already two?! I love my littlest even when he's his most fiery, ornery self. He has completed our family and celebrating him with our family was perfect. 

Self-care was me getting back to my full-time Mama role. I was able to visit my grandparents and catch up on a few things for me that I had been too busy to do while teaching. 

March: We enjoyed a couple trips to the Children's Museum and a trip to the zoo using our new membership. My oldest and my husband were able to go to a Purdue basketball game with my mother-in-law. 

Then things shut down. 

We were living in a pandemic. What do we do? How do we act? How do we cope we these overwhelming emotions?

I'll be totally honest, I had an extremely difficult time coping the first few weeks of the stay-at-home order. I was feeling down. It was difficult to feel motivated to do anything. I wasn't talking to my friends very much and it was a struggle to keep up with the house. 

My initial goal popped into my head. It was time to paint my nails and talk to friends. Reading more books was also on my list so I started a book club with a friend to keep me motivated. 

All of that got me out of the slump. 

Taking care of myself has never come easily to me or been a priority. Now that I see how much it can affect my daily life in a different context, I vow to always take time for me.

What is your favorite thing to do for you?