I Began a Self-Care Journey to Discover Myself, and Here’s What I Found

“Self-care” is a term that’s become incredibly popular these days. It encompasses a variety of activities that nourish the body, mind, and spirit. From invigorating workouts and indulgent spa days for the body to moments of meditation or journaling for the soul, and even escapism through reading or binge-watching reality shows for the mind, there’s no shortage of ways to practice self-care. While I appreciate all these forms, I wanted something that offered deeper, more lasting benefits. I sought out a practice that would provide guidance, accountability, and a bit of challenge. That’s when I decided to join a 10-month program called Madefor to help me cultivate better habits tailored specifically to me. This journey has allowed me to reconnect with myself in ways I didn’t even realize I had drifted away from.

My Journey as a New Mom

Let’s rewind a bit. I’m a new mom with a toddler who’s just mastered walking and throwing tantrums. I also work full-time, and, did I mention, we don’t have daycare? Like many parents today, I’m working from home. With occasional help from family and brief moments when my son is napping or playing by himself, we manage to get through our daily tasks. It’s often chaotic, and in the midst of prioritizing everyone else’s needs, I found myself feeling completely worn out.

Turning to Madefor

Recognizing my self-care routine was in dire need of an upgrade, I turned to Madefor. The program focuses on gradual habit-building over 10 months, and I appreciated the structure it offered to keep me on track. Plus, it’s screen-free, which was a refreshing break from my usual digital life.

How It Works

So how does it work? Madefor sends monthly boxes with a specific theme to focus on for several weeks. Each box includes a booklet detailing the benefits of the goal (including scientific insights for the curious minds), along with a physical tool to aid in achieving it. The aim is to cultivate healthier, happier, and more efficient habits one small step at a time. Since everyone’s journey is unique, the habits developed are personal, making it all about self-discovery.

For example, the first challenge was to increase my water intake — simple, right? Not for a busy work-from-home mom who often opts for caffeine over hydration. The box included a stylish glass water bottle adorned with rubber beads to track my intake, a booklet on hydration basics (spoiler: I wasn’t drinking enough), and a journal to reflect on my progress. I learned that staying hydrated genuinely boosts my mood and energy levels. It also included a beautiful glass hourglass to remind me to unplug from my devices and a lovely bracelet as a token of encouragement. Each subsequent challenge fosters mindfulness about a different aspect of my life, whether it’s hydration or how my food affects my feelings, allowing me to slow down and reassess my choices in a positive manner.

The Value of Investment

While the Madefor program requires an investment, it’s a worthwhile one for the sake of prioritizing self-care. When I break it down, it’s less than $60 a month — about the cost of one delivery dinner for our family (note to self: order takeout less). Each month, when I receive my beautifully packaged box filled with surprises, it serves as a reminder that I’m gifting myself something special, and I truly deserve it.

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Conclusion

In summary, starting a self-care practice through the Madefor program has been a transformative experience. It helped me reconnect with myself, build better habits, and ultimately improve my overall well-being while navigating the challenges of motherhood.