I need help.

As the words left my quivering lips, tears started rolling down my cheeks.

Three little words that are extremely difficult for me to say.

Sound familiar?

I get it mama.

We’re so overwhelmed by every day demands and living in quarantine hell, that we forget to make time for ourselves.

I’m not referring to self care that consists of watching a movie while sipping wine or taking a ten minute uninterrupted shower.

I’m talking about making time for our physical, emotional AND mental well being.

How often do we put ourselves on the back burner because there are other things to take care of or someone else needs us?

But if we don’t make time to rest and take care of ourselves, our bodies will start shutting down.

Burnout leads to exhaustion, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

It’s not pretty my friends.

And before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the hospital because you weren’t taking care of YOU.

The advice I can give you after experiencing all of this first hand…

ASK FOR HELP.

Whatever it is that YOU NEED, do it.

Maybe it’s taking an hour a week to talk to a therapist about your struggles and hardships.

Maybe it’s FaceTiming a friend because you know she’ll lift your spirits and make you laugh.

Maybe it’s finding a new routine to manage work, distance learning and motherhood.

Maybe it’s diving into a daily devotional or saying extra prayers at night.

Maybe it’s finally going to that appointment that you’ve been putting off for the past year.

Just promise me that you’ll start taking care of YOU – before it’s too late.

YOU deserve all the love and support that you give to others.

YOU matter.

YOU are valuable.

And YOU deserve to be your best self.

You can’t pour from an empty cup my friends.

So if you’re running on fumes or just surviving,

Please, ASK FOR HELP.

Things will start to feel less heavy and more manageable.

You’ll be able to breathe a little easier and tackle each day with less stress and anxiety.

Lean on family and close friends who are there for you.

You don’t have to walk this path alone.

I know it’s not easy and even a little uncomfortable.

But I promise, you won’t regret it.

Ask for help.

And take care of YOU.