We know life is short—yet we run ourselves ragged, operating at a million miles an hour, feeling constantly on edge, guilty, like we should always be doing something else. As working mums, it feels impossible to carve out time for yourself. Here’s the harsh truth: we don’t have a choice.

It’s not indulgent; it’s a necessity—for you, for your kids, for your team, and for future generations watching us.

How many times have you seen someone experience trauma, loss, or illness, only to completely change their life and prioritise what truly matters?

Why do we wait until we’re on the edge of collapse to wake up to this?

The consequences of ignoring self-kindness are real.

You might be spending time with the people you love, but are you truly present?

What’s the answer?

Self-kindness has to be embedded into our day to day.

I don’t mean the “take a bath” advice. Self-kindness is bloody hard but if we’re not taking care of ourselves, we’re not taking care of anyone else either. When self-kindness feels like climbing a mountain or yet ANOTHER thing on your ‘to do’ list micro moments are key.

We know habits aren’t easy to form but you, your kids, everything that comprises of ‘YOUR all’ is worth it.

How this looks is personal, although I am here to share a few ideas and invite you to download your copy of my ‘Micro Moment Self-Kindness Tracker’:

  • 5-minute digital detox— shut your laptop, put your phone in a draw and just be.
  • Clear one small space— a drawer, your car, a handbag.
  • Take a micro-walk even round the house! Focus on moving, step outside if you can.
  • Dance party for one! I’m not joking, blare out YOUR song and move! Reclaim time pockets- waiting in a queue or for your kid to get out of club? Resist a snatched moment for life-admin / doom-scrolling. Notice your surroundings instead.
  • Creativity burst—Set a timer for 3 minutes draw / doodle / write away – whatever comes.
  • Channel your school days. Easy yes? No – it’s hard.

When challenges come along, it’s even harder. DON’T GIVE UP.  If you’re not showing up for yourself, you can’t show up for anyone.

Let’s flip that notion of ‘having it all’ and strive instead for YOUR all. Self-kindness isn’t something to “get around to.” It’s something we have to build into our everyday lives, one micro moment at a time.

Kim Stokes is a qualified Life Coach.

Find out more about working with her, read her client testimonials, fee structure and background here.

October 21, 2024