One of the highlights of my time at the ATTACh conference was the chance to spend some time with Dr. Katharine Leslie, an extraordinary therapist and adoptive mom of four. Katharine volunteered to teach yoga each night to us true novices. (Just how does she get her body in all those positions?) After one of those sessions, several of us moms headed off to dinner. It gave us a chance to get to know Katharine even better. We all shared quite a few laughs about things that could have brought us tears. But Katharine’s overall message rang clear…that moms especially don’t spend enough time thinking about ourselves.

She’s a huge proponent of deciding that it’s ok to say “what about me?” And that we should expect some reciprocity in our relationships with our challenging kids.

I’ll admit that I find this as difficult to do as many mothers, especially the taking time for myself. But since I was at the ATTACh conference, free from all my family responsibilities at the moment, it did give me a chance to rethink my priorities.

So, yesterday, determined that what I learned from Katharine would not go wasted, I started the day watching my favorite TV preacher and studying the Bible. Then this afternoon, I did some very rudimentary yoga stretches, borrowed Kay’s I-pod and went for a brisk 60-minute walk. It made the day “all about me”.

Well, it wasn’t all about me. I still taught LuLu school, wrote three blogs, answered several emails, and returned some phone calls. I also managed to take LuLu to the chiropractor and get the license plate for Kay’s new car.

But it’s a start toward self-care. And I feel great!

Nancy's blogs on Katharine Leslie's approach:

Tank Filler? Or Tank Drainer? Or Both?
Reciprocity in Relationships
Give and Take or Just Take

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