Mothers rule the world. They guide the destinies of homes; that is why God is relying on mothers to keep Christ in the world by keeping Him in their hearts and homes.
This month, I was blessed to share about the importance of self-care for mothers (in all seasons) and provide essential oil education to a group of women in a Confraternity of Christian Mothers.
Originated in various parts of France, especially in Lille, when mothers began to gather to pray with and for one another and for their children, to discuss their problems, and to advise one another regarding the Christian rearing of their children. The movement gradually solidified, and on May 1, 1850, the first conference of Christian Mothers was held in Lille, under the leadership of (one of the original members) Louise Josson de Bilhem.
I speak of the self-care, not as the world describes, but as Our Lord desires. The care of self — full body, mind, and spirit so we can thrive to best serve in our vocations as He wills. 
I share as a fellow-mama in the trenches. A mentor. By no means, have I arrived. My words come from a place of Pain to Purpose. I share in hopes to help others along in ways that I would have benefited at an earlier time and benefit now. I share because I trust that my blessings (trials and all) are not for me alone, and it’s to give testimony to the goodness of Our Lord.
It’s not a matter of perfection but faithfulness. Faithfulness to show up every day to do the hard things well and working within our means to the fullest.
We discussed warning signs of burnout and the importance of identifying them early vs. reacting to their major issues.
Here are some common signs that someone is under great stress:
- Chronic fatigue — exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
- Anger, Bitterness, Loneliness
- Self-criticism – decreased self-esteem
- Feelings of being misunderstood
- Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
- Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
- Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
- Weight loss or gain
- Sleeplessness and depression
- Shortness of breath
- Anxious
- Feelings of helplessness
- Difficult to build new relationships
- Tough to enjoy new experiences
We reflected on the wisdom of the saints. Motherhood is hard and a good mentor/friend, Titus 2 woman (an elder woman living a life of virtue), would be a great blessing for anyone of us but it isn’t always possible. We must turn to God’s word and those that lived a life of heroic virtue on this earth.
I introduced a Self-Care Challenge for Catholic Mothers, similar to my Love Envelope (for Date Nights). The basis of the challenge is for you to select one task/challenge to be completed throughout the day or week. It can be selected randomly or chosen with intent. Either way, this practice is intended to help mothers avoid burnout and turn their hearts & minds towards the Heart of Christ so they can best serve in their vocations.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SELF CARE PRINTABLES
You may offer a donation or use the code motherlove to get your packet for FREE!
- Cover
- Saint Quotes
- Self Care Challenges
An additional tool to help a mom along the lines of self-care is a planner to encourage healthy goals. I created at planner sheet at the start of the year to help mothers along with a RESET. I share here because it is much more than just tool for a small 1x challenge. My planner sheet can be incorporated into your current planner, printed and posted on the fridge, or printed and bounded for use on its own. It provides space to:
- record your goals
- meal plan
- track water
- list a saintly quote for inspiration
- note what you are grateful for each day
- and more!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SELF CARE PLANNER PRINTABLE
You may offer a donation or use the code motherlove to get your packet for FREE!
Lastly, we covered natural solutions for moms, our homes, and our families. Living an essential oil lifestyle means turning to what God created, first. It allows our bodies to work at their optimum without synthetic, nasty toxins. doTERRA is changing the way healthcare is delivered and Wellness Advocates like me are empowering people with these natural solutions. We are not doctors (leave that up to the medical and scientific board at doTERRA HQ!) and we’re not prescribing, diagnosing, treating or claiming to cure anything. In essence, we are the doorway to natural and holistic practices that many otherwise might have been kept in the dark about.
Each mom went away with a personalized mini-roller to help with one of the following needs: 
- Mood Management
- Focus
- Respiratory
- Emotional Aromatherapy
- Anxious, Fearful, Worried
- Disinterested, Bored, Discontent
- Rest & Sleep
- Muscle & Joints
There was also a Make & Take option to create specialized roller blends for family needs:
- Immunity
- Seasonal allergies
- Headache & head tension
- Digestive issues
These small and potent compounds are empowering moms everywhere. One cannot underestimate the goodness of God’s creation!
If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, natural health, clean eating, or anything else shared here, you’re invited to contact me or visit me at JOYfilled Wellness.
Beautiful! Mothers are WORTHY of self care as God ordained our bodies to bring forth NEW LIFE-therefore, we must protect and uphold what is entrusted to us… Thank you, Lena, for the gift of your time, to the women of the Confraternity. May God richly bless your kindness.
Rebecca
This is so beautifully worded Lena and should speak to all mothers’ hearts who read this. I am so grateful to have essential oils at home to take care of our family…my “mama’s toolbox”. I am looking forward to trying your planner and I pray other mothers reach out to you to get their own set of oils to take care of their families naturally. Blessings!