On Mothering Yourself

This time of year is insane and I tend to forget that Novembers typically feel like this.

The holidays, crazy work schedules (any of you work in marketing? black friday?? pray for me??), hopes and expectations, end of year wrap up, holiday travel, packed days, etc. etc. etc.

We all have a lot on our plates.

I was at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception before my flight out of DC last week. I've had a lifelong devotion to Our Lady and when I trace the story of my life, I always find her reminding me, “do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5. She never fails to get me closer to her son.

I walked around in awe at the color, details and beauty. But as much as I enjoyed it, in the back of my head sat my looming and lengthy to do list. While walking around the basilica, my gridlocked schedule was haunting me.

While trying to be in the moment, I was also asking, “Please help me. How am I going to do this?"

I was stopped in my tracks by one altar that read “She is more of a mother than a queen” and I felt the small voice of The Holy Spirit ask, “Can you let yourself be mothered this week?”

In the hustle of the holidays, I can forget that I'm a human in need. Without this small reminder to mother myself, I'm not sure I could have survived this past week.

Since Saturday, I've felt the Holy Spirit following me around reminding me of simple needs.

How about you take some Vitamin C?

Go to bed early.

Eat some vegetables.

Take the time to journal. Just 5 minutes?

Get dressed - you always feel better when you do.

You don't need to do that right now. Maybe just take a shower? Reset?

Do you need to just go on a quick 5 minute run?

What do you need?

These were not orders but motherly reminders. We are human and our human needs are holy.

What can you do to mother yourself this week?

Your needs are not a weakness. The Lord is compassionate with you.