‘The Unexpected Connection
Tennis for me is a version of Me Time. It aligns with what’s important to me: staying active, being outdoors, and connecting with others.
Each week, I get to say hello to the person who plays before me, and these small moments, though brief, remind me of the importance of connection. Meeting her was one of those moments when you instantly feel a sense of ease and warmth—as if you just know you could be friends. She oozes kindness and genuine interest, always asking after me and my life with the sort of care that feels rare, especially in the fleeting moments we share between tennis lessons.
Recognising Our Own Value
Over the months, I have noticed a version of her that reminds me of myself and shows up in countless other women I’ve connected with: we don’t realise our own value or the importance of investing in ourselves.
At our core, we are nurturers, committed to pouring time, love, support, energy, patience, and endless problem-solving into our families. This role is valuable and deeply important, but it can also be tough because the fruits of that investment aren’t always visible to those on the receiving end.
Often, it’s a quiet, unseen labour of love, and that lack of immediate recognition can make us doubt its impact or significance. Yet, it’s this very commitment that lays the foundation for the resilience and well-being of those we care for. And that’s why Me Time is essential. It’s the fuel that allows us to keep giving with our whole hearts while maintaining our own well-being.
The Challenges of Motherhood
When it comes to our children, they often don’t fully appreciate our commitment until they leave home or become parents themselves.
Two of my brood have now flown the nest, and I’m fortunate to be on the receiving end of their love and gratitude for my hard work and sacrifice.
Hearing their appreciation has given me a fresh perspective on all those years of effort—the late nights, the constant juggling, and the emotional energy I poured into raising them. It reminds me that, while recognition may not come immediately, the seeds we plant do bear fruit.
My tennis friend is still in the thick of it—the endless cycle of fetching and carrying, overseeing homework, managing emotions, modelling resilience, navigating school schedules, after-school activities, squabbles with friends, squabbles with siblings, and probably squabbles with themselves. It’s a life that often leaves little room for Me Time, yet it’s precisely in these moments that prioritising ourselves becomes most vital.
What About You?
Recognising the importance of giving attention to yourself is the first step, but what comes next is even more important: taking responsibility for making more permanent change. As mothers, we care deeply and pour ourselves into our families. It’s one of the most beautiful qualities we possess. But in doing so, it’s easy to forget ourselves. When last did you consider the following question: What am I giving to myself that sustains me, nurtures me, and helps me grow?
I recall not giving myself much of anything. I thought, “I’ll get to me later—when the kids are older, when things calm down.” But “later” became “too late,” and by the time my children were grown and leaving home, I realised I had lost sight of a lot of me. That realisation was humbling, but it also became the turning point where I began to understand the importance of prioritising myself.
It’s never too late to start asking yourself: What do I need to thrive?
Taking Responsibility for Self-Care
One quote that helped me reframe this was something I heard from Mel Robbins. She once said, “Nobody is coming to save you.” You can watch her talk about this in her YouTube video, No One Is Coming To Save You!.
Those words struck me deeply. At first, they felt harsh, but I realised the profound truth in them: the responsibility to care for yourself, to give yourself the love and attention you deserve, is yours and yours alone. Nobody else can do it for you. And for me, that includes carving out Me Time—an intentional space to refuel and nurture myself amidst life’s demands.
This idea isn’t just about self-motivation; it’s about owning the role you play in your own well-being.
As mothers, we often wait for permission or validation to take time for ourselves, but Robbins’ words remind us that we don’t need to wait. Taking responsibility for our self-care is an act of empowerment—a way of showing up for ourselves so we can thrive and, in turn, give our best to others. And the more we prioritise ourselves, the more we model this behavior for our children, teaching them that self-care is not just a luxury—it’s a life skill.
The Power of Me Time
What does that mean in practical terms? It means making yourself a priority.
Do you know that I schedule ‘me time‘ in weekly? If I don’t write it down, it won’t happen. It’s become a non-negotiable and it’s something I encourage others to do.
When someone tries to connect with you, or organise play dates, or when things come up that could easily be scheduled elsewhere, ‘me time‘ needs to be the priority. That action, that commitment to ‘me time‘, is an essential part of your growth and development. It’s you doing for you what you do constantly for others.
You loving you.
You nurturing you.
You supporting you.
You caring for you.
Whether it’s taking a nap, reading a book, booking a spa hour, sitting in the garden, playing tennis, going for a walk, or meeting a friend for coffee, it’s important to make yourself a priority.
The Benefits of Prioritising Yourself
This isn’t about abandoning your family or your responsibilities—it’s about showing up for yourself so you can show up better for everyone else.
It’s about modelling for your children what it looks like to live a balanced, healthy life. The benefits of prioritising yourself are profound. You’ll find that you have more patience and energy to handle life’s challenges. You’ll rediscover what makes you feel alive and fulfilled, and that joy will spill over into every part of your life.
Taking intentional ‘me time‘ allows you to reset and recharge, making it easier to approach your responsibilities with a fresh perspective. Your family will see the difference—not just in what you do for them, but in how you carry yourself. It will teach your children an invaluable lesson: that self-care is not selfish, but essential for living a full and meaningful life.
Start Small, Start Now
If you’re in the thick of it right now, I want you to know that your nurturing, loving spirit is a gift. But I also want you to know that you deserve to nurture yourself too.
Start by picking one small thing you love to do and schedule it this week. Write it down, make it a priority, and treat it as non-negotiable. Even five minutes of intentional ‘me time‘ can make a world of difference.
You don’t have to wait until “later.” Start small. Start now.
Because you are worth it.
