How to Take Guilt-Free Me Time

Me time?! Oh, that got your attention, didn’t it?

What mom doesn’t LOVE me time!? Lord Jesus give me a break from these kids!! Even though we typically spend the ‘me-time’ either talking about the kids, worrying about the kids, or looking through old pictures of the kids!

You’re smiling because it’s true…. But we all know moms need time away from the kids and family life. It makes us better moms.

While we shouldn’t feel guilty taking time for ourselves, we typically do – it’s like it’s in our DNA.

So how do we take me time without feeling guilty?

VOLUNTEER! Give back to the community! It makes me feel so good taking a break from the kids but still knowing I am making a difference and impacting lives.

Don’t roll your eyes; I’m not talking about volunteering as in picking up trash on the side of the road. Don’t get me wrong, that is an important volunteering task but if I wanted to pick up trash, I could just stay home and follow my husband and kids around.

I’m talking puppies and kitties and babies! If puppies and babies do not pull your heartstrings do you even have a soul?

No, but honestly, find a volunteer position that you are passionate about. If you’re extremely passionate about it you will find yourself excited to take this ‘me time’ to go and do something that you love.

Here are some volunteer ideas that may strike your fancy!

Ways to Volunteer and Help Children:

Children’s Hospital

While it breaks my heart being in a hospital full of children, these kiddos need us. I volunteered in a children’s hospital a few years back and it is a time I will forever cherish.

I worked in the newborn baby unit where most of the babies were in there because they were addicted to drugs. So, unfortunately, a lot of their parents weren’t around.

A lot of the babies just lay in a crib by themselves for the majority of the day. I would get them out of their crib and cuddle them and hold them close. Most of those babies had very little human interaction, which is so important for everyone but especially tiny humans.

Children’s Shelter

Check out your local children’s shelter. I have volunteered at the one here in town occasionally for big events such as holiday parties, back to school events, etc.

They also have volunteer opportunities where you come monthly and help with the children. It makes me emotional to think how scared and confused these children are. They have just been taken from everything they know and most of them are unable to understand why.

It makes such a difference in these children when an adult actually takes the time to sit down with them, show them attention and make them smile.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

This one you may not have heard of but it is a nationwide organization and my absolute favorite! When you volunteer with CASA you are appointed through the courts to advocate for children who have been removed from their home by Child Protective Services.

CPS workers are overworked and can only do so much for the 15+ kids they are assigned to. As a CASA you will be assigned to one child and get to know them by spending time together. Then you are able to advocate in court to the judge as to what is best for them.

I was a CASA for over two years and still keep in contact with the girl I advocated for. Please message me or contact your local CASA if you have more questions.

Ways to Volunteer with Puppies and Kitties:

Cuddling and Walking Them

Check your local animal shelter in your area. They will have some sort of volunteer opportunity where you can come and walk the dogs, get the dogs out of their kennels, play with them, etc. They usually have a cat room too that you can go and relax in and love on all the kitties!

Foster Puppies

There are several organizations in my area that need people to foster newborn puppies due to the mother dying or the puppies being dumped. They will have you bring the puppies to your home where they will have to be bottle-fed every 3-4 hours and given lots of puppies kisses and cuddles.

Once they have reached a mature enough age, they will then be eligible for adoption. Again, your local animal shelter will have more information on this.

Transport Animals

Another way to help animals is providing transportation. In our city, like most, almost all the animal shelters are at capacity. Organizations need volunteers to step up and provide transportation for these animals to a nearby shelter with availability. Often times there is availability in a shelter in a nearby town. This prevents the animals from being euthanized.

And last but not least if you don’t want to spend time volunteering but still want to give back – donate Items to both places. Animal shelters are always in search of old blankets, sheets, newspaper and so much more.

Children shelters and hospitals have their own list of items needed such as clothes, diapers, toys, etc. If you feel so compelled – call your local children’s shelter and see what they are in need of!

Again, all of these volunteer ideas have to do with babies and puppies because WHO DOESN’T LOVE BABIES AND PUPPIES!? If these ideas don’t inspire or motivate you, just know there are several other organizations out there for you to find that are near and dear to your heart!

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