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The path to self-care and maintaining discipline amidst our responsibilities as mothers is a delicate balance, one that I've learned to navigate with intention and understanding. I've seen some moms who seem to have it all together effortlessly, like they were born with an extra dose of organizational skills. But the truth is, discipline is a learned behavior, and it's okay to have a learning curve.

For me, the key to discipline has been understanding what I need and how to achieve it. It's about setting clear intentions for what I want for my family, myself, and my career, and then steadily working towards them. This process involves organizing my thoughts, allowing space and silence to consider my goals, and then executing them with discipline. 

But the most important aspect, I've learned, is not to turn on myself. If things don't go right initially, it doesn't mean giving up. It's about persisting, refining, and continuing without judging ourselves too harshly.

In terms of self-care, I've realized it means different things to different people. What makes me tick is very different from what makes my husband tick as a parent. What works for my neighbor or my sister-in-law is different from what works for me. Recognizing these differences and eliminating the element of comparison has been essential. Instead, I've focused on figuring out what I need and getting real about it, which has been a liberating and insightful journey.

For example, one self-care ritual that I prioritize is getting good sleep. I refuse to indulge in late-night Netflix binges in a rebellious effort to have time to myself. There is actually a term for this now - sleep revenge - and I have definitely been guilty of indulging in this counterproductive practice in the past. Identifying and refusing to give in to this passive aggressiveness towards myself has been crucial.

Another self-care activity that I cherish is getting my hair washed at the salon every week. It's a simple yet effective way to take a break from the distractions at home and indulge in a bit of pampering in a space that allows me to focus on me and my needs.

Self care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Deciding what self-care means to you is a personal journey. For those of us who tend to neglect our own needs, it can be tricky to figure out what self-care rituals are most important to us. My advice? Start brainstorming and writing down the activities that help fill your cup. 

Something that's really worked for me in sorting out my self-care ideas is using those big sticky notes you find in conference rooms. Investing in one and sticking it to the back of your closet door or on your office wall can be a game-changer. Scribble down your self-care activities and revisit them throughout the week. The key is to identify what self-care means to you and integrate it into your routine in a way that feels natural and fulfilling.

The journey to mastering self-care and discipline is unique for each of us. It's not just about finding the right combination to open that lock of discipline; it's about respecting the process, embracing the learning curve, and persistently striving for what works best for you and your family.

What are your go-to self-care activities, and how do you balance them with your daily responsibilities? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments. 

💙Quinn