mamas treat yourself

this mother’s day season

Many of us feel it’s the greatest title you’ll ever have: Mom. You weren’t alone on this epic accomplishment, but it’s the Mother’s Day season, so let’s celebrate your special honor. And lady, you deserve a little “special” in your busy life.

If you are a mama who’s been fortunate to have celebrated this day in the past, it might’ve looked something like this: breakfast in bed; a bubble bath; someone else cleaning; a priceless handmade gift. Seriously, it’s a great day. And this year I hope that you have a day that is full of the memories of what your kids do to spoil you — whatever that looks like. I also hope you treat yourself.

Why would I toss it out there to gum up that magical day by nosing in a suggestion to go and treat yourself? Hear me out. I’m not suggesting you buy your own gift or order your own flowers all because you want control to make this holiday “mom perfect.”

My “treat yo’self” recommendation is more about self-love and forgiveness. This is my attempt to advise my peers without fear of mommy judgment. I’m gently reminding us mothers that you deserve the self-care time. You also deserve to forgive yourself for taking it. Most often when I treat myself it comes with a spoonful of mom guilt. “I didn’t really need that handbag;” “I should be ashamed for dropping cash on X, Y, Z;” “I could have saved money had I just done it myself.” Do you identify with this inner dialog?

This Mother’s Day I am forgiving myself of mom guilt. I am simply taking my own advice and doing something that will give my heart joy. And I wholeheartedly hope you do the same. Because, mamas, we deserve it.

A fabulous facial or microderm at Catalyst Spa is a personal go-to when I’m in the mood for selflove. Or grabbing a coffee and walking up and down each and every aisle at Target. I admit, I am so basic. For me, those are major “treat yo’self” things. However, this year I’m putting a spin on my self-love. I am treating myself to one of those “Mommy and Me” photo sessions. I’ve always wanted a special photo shoot of just me and my littles together. It’s no slight on my husband. He shares my appreciation for the legacy that family pictures can be. He also is, like a lot of guys, excited to sit this one out. Kidding aside, this self-given Mother’s Day gift is one that I’m not willing to feel guilty over.

Of all the ways I’ve indulged in my life, investing in having professional pictures has never been one I regret. Ever. Not once. Even when I wasn’t at goal weight. Even when I had a few gray hairs showing. Yes, even if it meant I needed to save the cash for a few months to afford it. I look through these pictures and treasure them. They are priceless to me.

Mom’s, we are usually the ones taking all the pictures, right? It’s rare I’m in any candid shots at home. And that’s okay with me because I love being behind the camera. However, I also see it as important to get in some of those shots to document life for my family. And this year I’m aching for some of those apple blossom orchard pictures.

I pray that whatever your Mother’s Day looks like that you find love and joy in it. And that, above all, you will give yourself a little love and forgiveness.

Special Thanks

to Lindsay Kaye Photography for these images over the years of me and my kiddos. Here are a handful of the shots I consider more precious than gold.