Tug-of-War

Any parent can appreciate the following anology--parenting is like a game of tug-of-war. I don't know about you, but the image of me on one side of the rope and the kids, husband, family duties on the other side has recently been popping up in my head (kinda like a comic strip balloon pop-up). Is it wrong to want to dedicate time to myself? I constantly find myself torn between giving the kids their much-needed one-on-one time, or trying to find more healthful, and sometimes complicated meals, for the family, dedicating those last few hours before going to sleep to my hubby--and giving myself some time to do basic things like cut my nails or even FLOSS!! Life is kinda crazy right now, and I'm sure in 10 years I'll laugh at how chaotic this small clip of my life was. But for now I feel that I have every right to hold my own in this tug-of-war. If I give in sometimes it's good: for the kids, the hubby, the home, family life in general. If I don't give in sometimes it's also good: it gives mom sanity and a feeling of self--which after all is needed if you're going to keep the anchor of the family going. If I'm not feeling satisfied, and whole, it can wreak havoc on the family at the end. So, one of my biggest goals in 2014 is to take time for myself, unapologetic, without regrets--it's become essential to my well-being. I'm already feeling much cheerier and hopeful at the thought of this. It's as if some burden has been lifted off of me--you are allowed to be happy, to look good (at times), to be selfish and want things just for yourself. Yay ME!