I’m Frugal as Heck…But Only When It Comes to Myself

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A few weeks back, my buddy Jenna sent me a message about a pair of running pants she’d bought but couldn’t use. We both share a passion for running, and she immediately thought of me when she saw them. These pants were from a high-end brand and in a bold color, and I could hardly believe it when she offered them to me for free as a little “runner karma.” When they arrived a few days later, it felt like an early Christmas gift because I would never splurge on such a luxury for myself.

Now, as I sit here post-workout in my new tights, I feel fantastic. My running stride had an extra bounce this morning, and these pants are so flattering that I felt a surge of confidence as cars zoomed past my 42-year-old mom bod. Even my husband, who usually doesn’t notice my wardrobe changes, complimented how cute I looked as I headed out. I might never want to take these pants off!

But my frugal tendencies extend beyond workout gear. Whether it’s shoes or groceries, I’ve got a knack for hunting down the absolute cheapest option, often driving myself into a frenzy in the process. More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve given up on my search because it became too overwhelming. However, when it comes to my friends, my kids, or my husband, I have no qualms about spending a little extra to give them exactly what they need. I’ll gladly invest in an extravagant gift for a friend or buy my daughter those pricey basketball shoes she needs when she outgrows yet another pair.

Recently, I shared my struggle to treat myself with a few friends, and they all nodded in agreement. It turns out that many of us struggle to recognize our own worth and justify splurging on ourselves. Despite knowing that it’s okay to occasionally dip into the family budget for a little self-care, we just can’t seem to do it. This got me thinking about the roots of our constant self-denial.

As mothers, we’re conditioned to prioritize others almost from the start. If we’re breastfeeding, we monitor our diet to ensure our baby gets the best nutrients. As our kids grow, we sacrifice sleep during their nightmares, skip workouts during tantrums, and endure endless car rides to their activities, all at the expense of our own sanity. It’s just what moms do, right? Well, I’m calling BS on that.

We need to look after ourselves to effectively care for our families, and it begins with acknowledging that we deserve that larger Starbucks coffee. It’s perfectly fine to treat yourself to the bigger slice of cake or to bypass the clearance rack for those fabulous strappy sandals. The world won’t end if you decide to invest in those exercise classes you’ve been wanting to try, and time won’t stop if you indulge in a little shopping spree at your favorite bookstore.

It’s okay to be a little selfish because, let’s be real, we’ve earned the right to indulge in a manicure or a massage once in a while. Motherhood is a tough gig, and if we wait for someone to recognize our daily contributions, we might be waiting forever. Prioritizing ourselves not only boosts our mood but also sends a clear message to our families: we are worth the extra effort. When our kids see us treating ourselves, it teaches them that the world doesn’t revolve solely around them—mostly.

So go ahead, indulge yourself. And remember, it doesn’t always have to cost money! Take a 20-minute break with your feet up before the kids get home; the laundry can wait. Spend a few extra minutes chatting with a friend after a PTA meeting; your kid won’t mind a few minutes delay from soccer practice. Stop what you’re doing and lean in for a kiss from your husband right there in the kitchen; I promise your dinner won’t burn. Skip the family movie night and soak in a hot bath instead. Make it a point to do something nice for yourself every single day and remind yourself that you’re a fantastic mom. You deserve to celebrate your parenting awesomeness, so go ahead and treat yourself on that shopping trip to Target. No judgment here!

If you need me, I’ll be lounging on the couch, admiring my new running pants while catching up on my favorite shows and sipping my Venti Starbucks coffee before the kids get home. When they walk in to find a happy, refreshed mom, that’s a win for the whole family.

For more insights on self-care and parenting, check out this post. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, cryobaby at home insemination kit is an authority on the subject. Also, CDC’s website is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.

Summary:

In this lighthearted piece, the author reflects on the tendency to prioritize others over oneself, particularly as a mother. She shares a personal story about receiving a free pair of running pants and explores the struggle of treating oneself. By encouraging readers to indulge in self-care, whether big or small, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own worth in order to better care for family. It’s a reminder that taking time for oneself leads to a happier family dynamic.