When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, more loving and generous we can be toward others. Eda LeShan

Knowing we need to care for ourselves and doing it are very different things. As Moms, we feel that we are being selfish if we take extra time to pay better attention to our own needs. However, it is not selfishness but an absolute necessity for Moms to be cared for. By taking time to explore their dreams and determining their priorities, Moms have chance to learn to manage themselves and become their own friend!

Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be a friend with anyone else in world. Eleanor Roosevelt

Of course, sometimes being effective is being able to multi-task. As a Mom I truly can’t survive without this skill. I may cook supper while my children are doing homework or answer a few emails while they are watching TV. I also need to be aware of times when I can’t do this.

My husband and I try to find quality time alone together a few times a month. On our recent trip to Mexico, it was just amazing to be a couple again. We laughed, played and talked. Rather than finding ourselves talking family all time, we were able to strengthen our relationship while laughing on a kayak. Being aware of difference between two has helped me to improve both quality of my work and my relationships.

Here are some areas of our lives that benefit from making sure we are being effective and doing right job: Chores – When we do them and how much time we spend doing them. Do we need to vacuum everyday? Family time – Are we really being together as a family? There is a difference between watching TV together and a family night. Work – Can we focus on work so we can leave it there when we are done? Relationships – We need to spend quality time with our family and friends. Travel – Can we travel and leave work or our commitments behind? Relaxing activities - Are we doing what we enjoy? Yes it is okay to watch our favorite TV shows, but do we need to watch hours of nothing? When we decide to relax, can we stop thinking about all that we have to do? (Moms, I know we are all guilty of this one!)

Now, when we are doing right job, let’s be efficient and make sure we do it well (not perfect!).