I'm Leaving!

Me: "I'm leaving!"

Also Me: "To go where?"

Just Me again: "Anywhere!"

I'm leaving are two words I often have to repeat to myself! Some self-taught motivation to get out the house no matter what life throws at me. I never truly appreciated 'fresh air" before I had kids. Then of course, I hadn't expected to be home as often as I have been. Since having kids, the hardest part is remembering that there is more to life than having a conversation with Jeremy Kyle in the morning...GUYS real people exist outside your front door!

I came to realise that I loved getting out the house with the kids, but it was never an easy task. The preparation alone of getting myself AND the kids ready used to be daunting. Knowing that we would have to be somewhere for a certain time, I'd be asking myself "What's the time?!" Not that it mattered, I'd be late anyway. It's as though the babies could sense when we were ready to leave the house and would poo on cue! My tardiness has definitely improved though; it's getting much easier now as I've found a routine for myself which works.

1. Prioritise

Is it really necessary for me to go out? This is so important. I can go out just for fun or i could genuinely need to go somewhere; whether it be the supermarket, to meet a friend, a baby group. Essentially it comes down to priorities because I need to be organised. Organisation with a baby is key, and you'll thank yourself when you've reached your destination on time because you gave yourself enough time to prepare. If i decided to just go for a walk, I would just take my sweet time getting everyone ready.

2. Self-Care

Take care of yourself! The amount of people who think it's ok to go 4 days without showering...IT'S NOT OK lol, and you probably smell (love you really). Honestly, the most important thing you can do before you leave your house is to make sure you are happy within yourself. Have a shower, try to do your hair or make-up, paint your nails, shave your beards, have breakfast....just doing one of these tasks will make you feel more up for the enevitable trip outside.

3. The Baby Bag

Don't forget to pack your essentials. What's goes into your baby bag?! A few nappies, a load a wipes, spare clothes? Did you remember to pack the baby's fav toy, did you pack that teething ring or nappy rash cream? Did you pack a drink or snack for yourself? Making sure you'll all packed and ready to go will make getting out and about so much easier. There is no worse feeling than getting to a restaurant and realising you forgot the baby bottle in the steriliser. You would probably never want to leave home again! Packing is quite simple really, once you know the essentials it became second nature...

4. Self-Care Continued...

What could be more motivating that getting out of the house to do something special for yourself. Self-care is also about taking time for YOU, treat yourself to a meal or go out and spend time with friends. Just because you're a parent or parent-to-be, does not mean that you're 'out of the friend-zone'; let them know you're still up for a good chat. Some people may assume that since you have kids you have your hands full, and are soooo busy that they don't bother to ask whether you'd like to go for that weekend brunch. YES darn it, save me! lol. At times you have to reach out to others...and please be accepting of those who want to offer help. Definitely try your best to balance your personal life with all the crazy that comes with being a parent.

5. Stick To Your Guns!

This is the biggest point of all...if you tell yourself you're going out, GO OUT! Don't back down because you realised the restaurant is a bit further away that your realised, oh it's raining, well actually X-factor is coming on, oh but the baby is due a feed then...stop making excuses! You are very capable of managing every hurdle that is thrown at you, and whilst it may be easier to dodge actually leaving the house, a little fresh air is good for you! Stay determined and pat yourself of the back when you get back home for making a positive effort.

These are just a few motivating points I try to remind myself of. I would love to hear what advice you give yourself and others! How do you cope when getting out of the house? What barriers are you facing?

H x