Feel good Friday

As I sit here typing this mornings post, I keep catching glimpses of my beautiful manicure, courtesy of Sophie the beautician. She has done a lovely job smearing bright pink nail polish all over my finger tips and I think this textured look could really catch on :)

You know, it's times like these I remind myself that perhaps I am actually doing something right in this mysterious game called parenthood. I am my own worst critic and can be so hard on myself with all the errors I make raising the kids, but I think it is actually important to shut that critical inner voice up sometimes and recognise a job well done. And of course this can apply to all elements of our lives, from work and finances to relationships and hobbies. It really is important for our own wellbeing to recognise our strengths and be kind to ourselves from time to time (more often than not would be best!!!)

So you may be asking why a nail painting activity has me thinking I am having a good Mum moment? Well it is quite simple really. Every day I am caught up in the jobs that need to be done, tending to the kids needs and trying to juggle all the other balls up in the air at once. All too often I forget to be present with Sophie and Elliott and engage in activities that make their hearts sing. To me, nail polish is nothing exciting but to a four year old, it is right up there with living in a castle made of lollies! All I had to do was sit with her for 10 minutes, chat, have my nails painted and just be fully immersed in the moment with her. What a gift to give to a child: being present and making them feel like the most important thing in the world.

Seeing my kids happy and finding joy in the simple things makes me feel wonderful and allows my inner voice to talk kindly to me for a moment. Take some time today to quiet your inner critic and let yourself feel good for the great things you are achieving in you life, the great things you are doing for yourself and the great things you are doing for others. You really are a wonderful person, if only you could see yourself the way others do xox