Finding Balance: A story of self-care and finding balance

Today's blog is a Story Blog, so grab a cup of tea, settle in, and I'll begin...

Once upon a time, in the bustling world of parenthood, there lived a remarkable family. Meet the Johnsons – Sarah, Mark, and their two children, Emma and Ethan. Sarah and Mark were loving parents who devoted their lives to creating a nurturing environment for their children. They worked tirelessly to meet the demands of their careers, manage the household, and support their kids' ever-growing needs.

As time went by, Sarah began to feel the weight of her responsibilities, both as a parent and as a primary school teacher. She noticed that she was running on empty, constantly putting others' needs before her own. The days blended together, and self-care became a distant memory. Sarah's energy levels dwindled, and she felt overwhelmed by the daily challenges of balancing work, parenting, and personal well-being.

One day, after a particularly exhausting week, Sarah had an epiphany. She realised that by neglecting her own self-care, she was sending a message to her children – that their needs were more important than her own. This realisation struck a chord deep within her, igniting a desire for change.

Sarah embarked on a journey of self-discovery, determined to find a way to incorporate self-care into her life and show her children the importance of nurturing their well-being. She started small, carving out pockets of time for activities that brought her joy and rejuvenation. She started swimming again, bought some new jigsaws, and prioritised restful sleep.

Little did Sarah know that her children were watching, absorbing her actions like sponges. Emma and Ethan could see their Mum's commitment to self-care and noticed the positive impact it had on her and the atmosphere in the house. They saw her radiating happiness, her energy replenished, and her stress levels reducing.

One day, Emma (who was a very enlightened young lady and ever so self-aware), went to Sarah and said, "Mum, I've noticed how much happier and calmer you've been lately. Can you teach me how to take care of myself too?" Sarah's heart swelled with joy and gratitude, realising that her self-care journey had not only transformed her own life but had also inspired her children to embark on their own.

Together, they explored various self-care practices as a family. They went for nature walks, practiced deep breathing exercises, and even created a cosy reading nook in their home. Sarah encouraged her children to identify their own needs and embrace activities that brought them joy and relaxation.

As time passed, the Johnson family found a beautiful balance between meeting their responsibilities and prioritising self-care. They celebrated each other's self-care wins, supporting and cheering one another along the way. They understood that self-care was not selfish but an essential act of self-love that allowed them to show up as the best versions of themselves for each other and the world.

So that, dear friends, is the story of the Johnson family. It's kitch and cute and faintly ridiculous, and writing these stories (yes, there will be more, you have been warned), is part of my own self-care, because it's great fun to write. It also serves as an illustration to hopefully bring home to you the importance of teaching self-care by example.

As the author of this story, I would doubtless tell you that it reminds us of the transformative power of self-care and the profound impact it can have on both individuals and their loved ones.

As Gilli, I will just say that your kids learn from you - let them learn the good stuff!

With love,

Gilli

Teaching your children self-care is one of the most important lessons you can teach them