Do you ever feel guilty for doing something for yourself, no matter how big or small it is? I do. Its actually something Im constantly working on, and Im pretty sure Im not the only one. I can tell when other moms are struggling with mom guilt, and you probably can, too. You know, theyre the ones you see standing in the coffee aisle, looking longingly at the flavored specialty coffees. Some even reach out and grab one of those little bags that hold enough to make a single, indulgent pot. But then, as they start to walk away, they turn around and put it back with a shrug of the shoulders. Maybe next time?

Its a common condition that mothers share: selflessness. It comes with the job. You have to put your kids needs before yours. They rely on you for everything. Your child should never have to live without the essentials so you can have a steamy, home-brewed mug of French Vanilla.

However, if your kids needs are being met and lets put it out there, their wants are, too then whats the real harm if you do something nice for yourself here and there? Absolutely none. The problem is we dont think of it that way. We think, That coffee would be awesome tomorrow morning, but for $2 I could get the kids something special for breakfast and surprise them. Yeah, admit it. Youve been there, too.

I had one of these moments the other day. I was at Walmart picking up some cleaning supplies and baby wipes (hooray!) when I noticed a display of gloves. Not even the fancy ones that cost five bucks. No, it was a display of the 2-for-1 basic, knit, stretchy gloves. There was a pack that had both a pink and black pair in it, which would be rad for me because theyd match two different scarves that Ive had forever. The pack was under $2, yet I stared at those bad boys for a couple of minutes. Do I really need them? Nahhh. I have a purple pair that dont match anything, but they still do the job. I should get some extras for the boys instead.

As I started to walk away, it hit me. Is depriving myself of something small that will make me feel good and Ill actually use really going to hurt anyone? No way. And really, having a pair of gloves that matches what Im wearing will make me feel more confident and I wont look so bizarre and half put together when Im out with my family.

Motherhood and martyrdom arent synonymous. Sometimes I have to remind myself that doing a little for myself isnt selfish. My kids deserve to have a mom thats happy, and those little treats arent going to get my selfless mom card revoked.

Do you ever struggle with this? What do you like to do for yourself from time to time?

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