This post is included in Real Life’s Your Life Your Blog

When I originally wrote this post, I found myself focusing on the guilt of doing something for myself. Since then, I’ve overheard mothers discussing complaining that they don’t have time to exercise. For a pedicure. To do a little shopping. Basically they just don’t have time for themselves. I found that I didn’t really participate in their discussion, simply because I do those things. I exercise 3-5 times a week. I take some time during the day to Twitter. To email and Facebook. It got me thinking, why do I have the “time” to do these things while other mom’s don’t? Sure, I definitely have a fantastic Dad-oo who helps around the house, is great with Eli and can recognize when I need a little down time. But I also make a point of taking some time for myself and making sure that Dad-oo takes his time too. It’s not that I have more time than other mothers, I have a lively 18 month old boy, a full-time job, a husband, and two rambunctious pugs, free time is a rarity. It’s just that I know I am a better mother, a better wife, and a better friend, if I have some me time. AND I’M NOT GOING TO FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT!!! There, I said it. Besides, there are many more important things to feel guilty about. Like the time Eli fell off the couch. Now, read on for the original post, mother guilt and all.

One of the things that caught me by surprise after I had Eli was the ”Momma Guilt”. Sure, I had heard legends, but just didn’t believe that it would happen to me. I tend to lean toward the more level headed, less emotional side of womanhood, so I just naturally assumed that I would be immune to this phenomena. Boy was I wrong. Everything little thing, from not being with Eli when he was crying because I was in the shower, to losing one of his nuks, to getting tired of breastfeeding would send shock waves of guilt coursing through my body.

One of the biggest Momma Guilt’s that I struggle with is taking time for myself to exercise. I know that it’s good for me, it gives me the energy that I need for chasing around a toddler, and well, I’m kind of an exercise freak, so it keeps me sane. And it is, or will soon be, teaching Eli that exercise and healthy eating are important. But boy oh boy does the guilt flood in while I’m at the Y. Especially on the couple of days during the week that I go after work. I’m already away from him for 10 hours, then I tack on another 1.5 hours for the workout and drive time. How selfish can I get? But still I go, and I always feel great after, a little bit like myself before the kiddo came along. By the time I get home, Eli is ready for dinner, a quick bath, some books, crazy running around the house time, then off to bed.

In reality, I’m only missing a small part of Eli’s day and he gets to spend that time doing some one-on-one Dad-oo bonding time. Since my days are spent dedicated to my job, I know that it’s important to take some time for myself, to regroup and find myself again, the part that isn’t a mother, a wife or a graphic designer. And I do it, and I’ll keep doing it, but there’s always that little voice above my right ear whispering, you should be home with your son, how could you be so selfish by taking this time for your self! And I’ll continue to ignore it, knowing in my heart that I am a good mother, and Eli is turing out to be a fantastic kid. So we must be doing something right, personal time and all.

This post is included in Real Life’s Your Life Your Blog

[/caption] This post is included in Real Life's Your Life Your Blog When I originally wrote this post, I found myself focusing on the guilt of doing something for myself. Since then, I've overheard mothers discussing complaining that they don't have time to exercise. For a pedicure. To do a little shopping. Basically they just don’t have time for themselves. I found that I didn’t really participate in " data-image="http://alli-n-son.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/IMG_7537.jpg" data-site="Alli 'n Sons">