Printable: Daily Planner Page for Moms

Being a mom is the best job I could have, but it is also one of the hardest. In the midst of diaper changes, sippy cups, kissed ouchies, snuggles, and pleas for this and that, it's easy to lose sight of someone else who needs care--me! Wow, I feel guilty even typing the words out and putting that kind emphasis on myself. Therein lies the problem though...

I love being a mom! It is a tremendous blessing, and I cherish every moment. But in this 24/7 job, a few little breaks are necessary. Right? I feel like I'm still trying to convince myself of that. Confession: I am guilty of not taking that time for myself. The idea of having someone else (even the hubby) watch my kids, so I can step away for even just a bit makes me feel guilty. I know! I know! I shouldn't feel that way because taking those little mommy breaks can actually help me be a better mom to my kids. (My friend Pam even wrote about the importance of taking some "me time" on her blog.)

I know how important it is to enjoy a little time to myself, but it is something I struggle with. In fact, the blog conference I attended a few weeks ago that I'll tell you more about later was the first time I had gone anywhere overnight without my kids since... Let's see... When was Lydia Grace born? Yes, that's right! It was the first time in over six years I had gone somewhere without kids.

On the first night of my trip, I went out to eat with a group of ladies who were also attending the conference--new bloggy friends! During the meal, it occurred to me that this was the first time in a very long time where I wasn't going to have to wipe off sticky fingers with a baby wipe, cut up someone else's food, or have to worry about whether my kids were disturbing other diners. Don't get me wrong! I'm a nurturer, so I thrive on caring for my family. It was just that it was disorienting to not have to focus on those things. The clothes I purchased to take with me to the conference were the first ones I had purchased for myself in over two years. Y'all, I actually put make-up on again on a day other than Sunday morning! Doing those things for myself felt strange. It also felt very needed, and not just because many of my old clothes were starting to get holes in them.

There's not enough time in the day.
The chores will pile up.
I'll be fine without a break.

Oh, I could come up with several excuses why not to take a little mommy break, but there are some extremely BIG reasons why I should... Three of those reasons are Lydia Grace, Eli, and Caleb. They need a mommy who is happy, refreshed, and ready to tackle the day's adventures whether that be keeping up with them during a game of tag, pulling wriggling worms out of little pockets (BOYS!), or just being there for them. I adore motherhood, but it is important to take those breaks every now and then. Another important reason is that we are designed to take breaks--to rest and take refuge in our heavenly father.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For these reasons, I'm making up my mind to be more intentional about enjoying some "me time." I'm also going to set aside more time to spend in prayer and devotion. Rising a little earlier to savor some quiet moments to read my bible and taking more time for myself is just what my soul needs. I'm putting these goals down in writing and scheduling them into my day.

Printable!
Perhaps you, too, have been caught up in the busyness of life and struggling to find time for yourself. If so, I'd love to share this little printable with you that I made to better plan my days. Save it, print it, fill it out, and enjoy the benefits that come with stealing quiet moments away for yourself.

Daily Planner Page
(Right click the image to save it to your computer. Open up the saved image and print it off.)

Happy planning!