Two minutes with … Katrina DiMare, mama to Alessandra, aged 8 years
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I didn’t have my daughter until I was 42 years old. So, I am blessed with only one. I know “me time” can be rare and difficult with more than one child, but I also have found that an only child can need/want/desire even MORE of your focus when they don’t have any siblings involved in their life. I feel like I piece my “me time” together. So, I guess I have small moments of it randomly on a daily basis. For instance, I read a book or watch videos (Youtube) of DIYs or topics of interest while while my daughter is in ballet or art class (bring ear buds!). I also still travel around the country 2-3 times a month for my job as a singer. So, my time on planes is spent reading or watching a movie that I GET TO CHOOSE! haha!! Not cartoons or Pixar……but movies with actual people!!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I practice self care through prayer and little delights. My mental and emotional care is guided through daily conversations with God and keeping perspective on what is truly important in my life and the lives of my family. I also like to have the occasional pampering of a pedicure, massage, or a night at the movies with my fellow mommy girlfriends. After an especially long day, I might have an adult beverage to wind down. What’s that funny saying?? I love Jesus, but I drink a little! haha!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
“Me time” doesn’t have to be a big planned event. Take small segments of time and find something that makes you happy. A book, a friend (phone call), a TV show or movie (Netflix on your phone?), a craft or DIY that you can work on over time, a facial mask while fixing dinner…..just find things that bring you joy and do them for 10 or 15 minutes. If you have longer…..then great!! But, if not, then take a little “me snippet.” When my daughter was 6, she really wanted to give me a “pedicure.” So, I ran with it!! I bought her a teenybopper foot spa! She would have me soak my feet in warm water (twist my arm), rub my feet (this treatment sometimes included plastic spoons from her play kitchen but I didn’t have to pay extra), and painting my toe nails. My polish was always a WRECK!! But, you know what?? It felt nice, I got to sit down and read, and she had a ball!! She loved telling people that she painted my toes. So, it was a win/win!! I have a friend that has her son run his toy trucks on her shoulders……lucky girl! Just don’t think of “me time” as a day of being fed bonbons and being fanned by peacock feathers……find little moments and do what you like to do.