“When you and Jaden were first born, I had forgotten how to take care of myself because you guys were my world. You guys were my everything. You still are…but you really have to take care of you first and foremost. Because when you stop taking care of yourself, you get out of balance, and you really forget how to take care of others. I think we’ve been taught that taking care of yourself is a problem.”
My friend Renee shared this video with me the other day, and I had to share it with you. When I watch this, I just want to say “Yes! Yes! Yes!” to every single word that Jada Pinkett Smith is saying to her daughter Willow. Please take the next six-and-a-half minutes out of your day and watch this – trust me, this will be time spent on YOU, and it is time well spent.
Watching this felt amazing to me. I felt like I just wanted to hug her. How wonderful it is to have a big, well-known voice saying the exact same thing that I have been saying. I am truly excited for moms to hear this message.
It is eye opening to hear a famous, successful, beautiful woman saying that her happiness is a daily struggle; that she has to think about it every single day. How illuminating to hear that even movie stars lose their internal balance, and turn to the people around them looking for happiness – instead of looking inward. We all have to work, every day(!), to achieve balance in the four areas of our lives. No matter who we are – but especially as mothers.
Over the past year, I have seen the conversation about motherhood evolve in such a positive way. Our society is finally starting to recognize that there is more to “mom” than just being a mom; that women and mothers have to take care of themselves first; and that if we sacrifice everything that makes us unique, balanced, fulfilled individuals, we simply burn out – and as Jada Pinkett Smith says, when that happens, the whole family suffers.
The world needs happy moms! I am proud to be one of them.
Happy new year to all of you women, mothers, and men who love them. May 2016 bring us even more wisdom and joy.
With Love and Mommy Hugs,
Pamela Zimmer
photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net