As moms, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities, constantly putting our children's needs before our own. It's easy to lose sight of our own well-being in the process. But what if I told you that taking care of yourself is not just beneficial, but essential for both you and your little ones?

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Michelle Watson, an international speaker and business mentor, at our Mamahood After Trauma Symposium. Her powerful talk, "The Power of a Mother's Heart," shed light on a crucial aspect of motherhood that we often overlook: self-compassion.

The Oxygen Mask Analogy

Michelle shared a compelling analogy that really struck a chord with me. She compared self-care to the oxygen mask instructions we hear on airplanes. You know the drill - in case of an emergency, put your own mask on first before assisting others. Why? Because if you run out of oxygen trying to help everyone else, you won't be able to help anyone at all.

This principle applies perfectly to motherhood, especially for those of us navigating the waters of healing from trauma. We can't pour from an empty cup, and we certainly can't provide the nurturing our children need if we're running on fumes ourselves.

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Neglect

For many of us who have experienced trauma, self-neglect might feel familiar, even normal. We might have grown up in environments where our needs were dismissed or where we learned that our worth was tied to how well we served others. But here's the truth: your needs matter.

I'll share a personal experience. A few years ago, I found myself drowning in the responsibilities of motherhood, running a household, managing a business, and being a wife. I was neglecting myself, and guess what happened? I became bitter and resentful towards my young children and my husband. Not because they were demanding too much, but because I was demanding too much of myself and not giving myself the care I needed.

The Power of Self-Compassion

This is where self-compassion comes in. It's about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a good friend. It's recognizing that you're human, with needs and limitations, and that's okay.

Michelle emphasized in her talk that self-care isn't selfish - it's necessary. When we practice self-compassion, we're better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood, especially when dealing with the effects of trauma.

Practical Steps Towards Self-Compassion

• Acknowledge your needs: Start by recognizing that you have needs, and they're valid.

• Set boundaries: It's okay to say no sometimes. Your time and energy are precious resources.

• Practice positive self-talk: Replace harsh self-criticism with kind, supportive words.

• Take small breaks: Even five minutes of quiet time can make a difference.

• Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

The Ripple Effect of Self-Compassion

When we practice self-compassion, we're not just helping ourselves - we're setting a powerful example for our children. We're showing them that it's important to value and care for oneself, a lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Moreover, by taking care of ourselves, we're better able to show up fully for our children. We have more patience, more energy, and more love to give when we're not running on empty.

Your Invitation to Healing

If you're resonating with this message and want to dive deeper into the power of self-compassion and other aspects of healing in motherhood, I invite you to check out the full replay of our Mamahood After Trauma Symposium. Michelle's talk, along with insights from ten other amazing speakers, offers a wealth of wisdom and practical strategies for your healing journey.

Remember, mama, you are worthy of care and compassion, especially from yourself. Your journey of healing isn't just for you - it's for your children, too. By nurturing yourself, you're creating a ripple effect of healing that will touch not just your life, but the lives of your little ones as well.

Let's embrace the power of self-compassion together. Your heart, your children, and your future self will thank you for it.