How to feed your soul as a mom

When I first started getting theraputic massages to help out with some back issues, I remember asking the therapist, “Don’t your arms get tired from this work?” She told me the way they are trained, she uses her entire body to give the massage, and said that sometimes it’s almost like SHE is getting a massage too, because of the methods.

I immediately made a direct connection in this to my own life. There’s so many “little things” in mothering littles that can sap our strength. We get to the point where we want to rush through those evening baths and bedtime stories. Where taking a moment seems like an eon when our to-do list is overwhelming us.

When I thought about what really motivates me, I realized, quite honestly, it’s these two little boys – they need me. And they need me to keep it all together and get it done, because they simply can’t do it themselves. I’ve been gifted these children by God and am uniquely made to be their mom. That’s super motivating for me, and puts a new perspective on every task I do for them.

So… how to feed your soul as a mom?

It’s simple really. Focusing on our motivations, how and why we do things… you can actually feed your soul as a mom with the same activities that used to drain you! Here’s some examples from my own life!

Reading – those bedtime stories. As much as some nights I just want it to be lights out, I’ve got two little boys bringing me piles of books to read. Results? I choose to look at it differently – instead of time lost from my “chores,” I get to enjoy some old favorites from my childhood like The Cricket in Times Square, Charlotte’s Web, and more! These are clasics I probably would’ve never returned to if it weren’t for my children.

Thinking spiritually – Children are so open with their questions about life and the meaning of it. As an adult it’s easy to lose that sense of wonder in God’s world because we’ve just become so used to it, we can filter it out. I often find myself refreshed by the simple yet illuminating questions my children ask about God and our world. Their questions make me think more spiritually about even the little things. The same goes for reading Bible stories and verses. It’s hard to rush through when you have children asking questions and needing words defined. I feel my children’s growing sense of awareness feeds my soul, and they help me to slow down and be more thoughtful about expressing my beliefs.

Being outside – I am grateful for active busy boys who want to run and play outdoors all day. Because I could very easily get caught up cleaning the house, prepping food,or working on the blog if I were left to myself. Being sure the boys get outdoor play time, means that I get to either run around with them, or just sit back on the lawn and watch them play, find shapes in the clouds and generally RELAX! (If only for 5 minutes!).

What with having two busy little boys, homeschooling, homemaking, and amateur homesteading… I’m more committed than ever to finding ways to feed my soul as we walk through life as a family.

Today is a great time to pause and consider what motivates you? What feeds your soul in your active and busy life.