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The Power of Mental Health Days: A Love Letter to Me-Tyme

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Embracing the Power of Rest and Recharging for Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Hey friend!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about something we don’t always talk about enough — the importance of taking true mental health days . I know we all hear about self-care (and how important it is!) all the time, but something that’s just recently clicked for me is how vital it is to give ourselves permission to take a day purely for our mental well-being.

I know I’m not alone in this, but I’m someone who wears a lot of hats. I’m a mom, a clinical director, and the creator of Mommy Me-Tyme, and sometimes, all those roles start to feel like they’re pulling me in a thousand directions. For a long time, I thought I had to keep going — pushing through the exhaustion, juggling all the responsibilities. I was always “on” and constantly moving from one task to the next. But you know what? That mentality caught up with me.

There was a point where my mind started feeling like it was working in overdrive. My brain was constantly buzzing with thoughts, my eyes were heavy, and I felt like I was always racing from one thing to the next without really being present. I was beyond burnout, and I realized something had to change. That’s when I learned how crucial mental health days are — days where you just unplug and give your mind the break it needs to truly rest.

What’s the Difference Between Me-Tyme and Mental Health Days?

Here’s the thing: we talk a lot about “me-time” and “self-care,” and those things are SO important. For me, those are the days when I indulge in my go-to rituals that help me recharge. I love my solo dates, journaling, and massages on these days. It’s about nourishing my spirit and reconnecting with myself in a more intentional way. I go out on my own for a little adventure, I sit down with my journal and let everything pour out, or I get a massage to work out the tension I’m holding in my body. These moments make me feel refreshed , and they’re crucial for me to feel balanced.

But mental health days? Well, they’re a whole different kind of magic.

What Does a Mental Health Day Look Like?

A mental health day isn’t about being productive — it’s about giving yourself space to be without the pressure of doing anything. It’s about truly resting your mind and soul. On these days, I let myself completely disconnect. Here’s what a typical mental health day looks like for me:

Sleep : First things first — I sleep. A LOT. I let myself stay in bed a little longer, take naps, and just let my body recover. I’ve come to realize that when I’m feeling drained mentally, my body needs the time to heal too.
Reading : After some rest, I grab a book that takes me into another world, usually something light and fun. It helps me shift my focus from work and responsibilities to something that brings me joy. No pressure, no deadlines — just a good story.
Sudoku : Yep, I know it sounds simple, but I love doing a few Sudoku puzzles. It’s an easy way to focus my mind on something that’s completely different from my daily tasks. Plus, it’s kind of like a little brain workout for me, and I get a sense of accomplishment when I finish a puzzle!
Sitting Outside : If the weather’s nice, you’ll find me outside in the fresh air, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. I love just sitting and letting my thoughts drift, enjoying the moment and the calmness of nature around me.
Phone on DND : This is a game-changer for me. On my mental health days, I make sure my phone is on Do Not Disturb. No messages. No emails. No calls. It’s me and my own space — and it’s so freeing .
Watching Something Light : After a day of resting and recharging, I’ll sometimes end it with a Christmas movie. I know, it might seem silly, but hear me out — Christmas movies are my secret happy place. They always have a happy ending, and they remind me that it’s okay to take a step back and enjoy the simple, joyful things in life. Plus, who doesn’t love a feel-good movie?

Why Mental Health Days Are Essential

You might be thinking: “Okay, but do I really need a whole day to do nothing ?” The answer is yes . Trust me, I get it. As a woman who constantly feels like she has to be doing something, I used to feel guilty for taking a day off just to rest. But I’ve learned that it’s not only okay, it’s necessary. When I take a mental health day, I’m doing so much more than just resting — I’m giving my brain the space it needs to reset. I’m allowing myself to fully unplug from the noise and the endless to-do lists so that I can show up as my best self for my family, my work, and myself .

And here’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned: If I don’t take time for my mental health, I can’t show up fully for anyone else. My mind needs to rest just as much as my body does.

How You Can Make Time for Your Own Me-Tyme & Mental Health Days

I know it can be hard to justify taking a full day for yourself, especially when you have a million things to do. But hear me when I say this: your mental health is just as important as everything else. So, I challenge you to take that step back. Whether it’s a full mental health day where you sleep in and watch Christmas movies, or a self-care day with your favorite solo dates and massages — make it a priority.

You are so worth it .

And if you’ve had a similar experience or have your own mental health day rituals, I’d love to hear them! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments — we’re all in this together.

Until next time, take care of YOU. ��

From Burnout to Balance: Steps to Reclaim Your Energy

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 03:00:43 GMT

Hey, friends!

It’s been a while since I last posted here—way back in June of 2023. A lot has happened since then, and I’ve been reflecting on how much my life, my career, and even my approach to balance have evolved over the past few months. It’s been a period of growth, learning, and, honestly, a little bit of unraveling. Today, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned on my journey from burnout to balance and how I’m still managing to find my footing—especially while raising my kids and navigating life’s unexpected twists.

The Weight of Increased Responsibility

At the end of 2024, my life felt like it was spinning out of control. I lost two people who meant the world to me. Both of these losses threw me into a spiral, one that I wasn’t sure how to come out of. Grief is such a heavy thing to carry, and when combined with the usual pressures of work, family, and the never-ending cycle of responsibilities, I found myself overwhelmed. My role as the clinical director at an ABA company came with an increased load of responsibility. The work itself is incredibly rewarding, but as many of you know, the more you give, the more is often expected. The pressure kept mounting, and before I knew it, I was in the thick of burnout without even realizing it.

The combination of grief and the overwhelming demands of my career left me feeling drained and disconnected. Managing the day-to-day of raising my kids, taking care of my team, and keeping up with everything else felt like I was running on fumes. And that’s when I realized—I couldn’t keep going like this.

Step 1: Acknowledge the Burnout

The first step in my recovery was acknowledging the burnout. I had been avoiding it for so long, convincing myself that if I just pushed harder, I’d find my way through. But the truth was, the harder I pushed, the more I felt like I was sinking. Acknowledging burnout doesn’t make you weak or incapable—it’s a sign of self-awareness. I had to remind myself that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.

It’s so important to give yourself permission to feel your feelings, even the tough ones. If you’ve been through something similar—whether it’s a loss, a career shift, or just the day-to-day grind catching up with you—take a moment to honor where you are. You don’t have to “bounce back” immediately. Healing is a process.

Step 2: Shift Your Mindset from “Hustle” to “Harmony”

As someone who has always been driven, “hustle culture” was something I wore like a badge of honor. I had been conditioned to believe that the only way to succeed was through hustle—working long hours, over-delivering, constantly pushing myself. But when the burnout hit, I realized that hustling non-stop was only making me feel more depleted, not more fulfilled.

One of the most powerful shifts I made was moving away from the idea that success is only achieved through exhaustion. I began to focus on creating harmony and sustainability in my life. That doesn’t mean slowing down completely, but rather being strategic about how I spend my time and energy instead of just juggling everything at once. I made a list of what truly mattered to me—my kids, my well-being, meaningful work, and personal growth—and began intentionally carving out time for those things. At work, I started prioritizing tasks and delegating more. In my personal life, I learned to say “no” without feeling guilty, and I set clearer boundaries for myself and my family.

Balance doesn’t mean doing it all at once, or even perfectly. It’s about taking small steps toward what brings you peace.

Step 3: Prioritizing Self-Care- The Non-Negotiables

When you’re in a high-pressure role, self-care can often feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But I learned the hard way that if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to show up for anyone else.

The first thing I had to prioritize was sleep. Sleep became my non-negotiable. It’s amazing how much better you feel after a full night of rest. I also reworked my exercise routine to fit into my day—nothing fancy, just a quick walk, some yoga, or even dancing around my living room with my kids. Movement became my reset button.

Step 4: Find Moments of Stillness Amidst the Chaos

This one is tough, especially when you’re a career woman juggling kids and life’s demands. There's always something happening—someone needs attention, a project is due, a crisis might arise. But even amidst the chaos, I’ve learned the power of finding moments of stillness. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long meditation or a weekend retreat (though those are nice). It can be as simple as taking five minutes in the morning to breathe deeply, sip on your coffee in peace, or even just listen to your thoughts without the distractions of emails or to-do lists.

I started incorporating mindfulness into my routine in little ways. And let me tell you—those few minutes of quiet can be a lifesaver when the world feels like it’s moving too fast.

Step 5: Embrace Support and Community

Through all of this, I’ve realized that I don’t have to do it alone, I had to let go of the “I can do it all” mentality. I’ve leaned into my support system—family, friends, and even new professional connections. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It’s a sign of strength. Whether it’s leaning on a friend for emotional support or asking for help with the kids so you can take a break, the power of community cannot be underestimated.

I also found therapy to be incredibly helpful. Talking through my stress and grief helped me process things I was keeping buried. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help—it’s a step toward healing.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned this past year is that growth isn’t always about doing more; sometimes, it’s about leaning into the support that’s already available to you. People want to help—they just need to know you need it.

Step 6: Give Yourself Grace

Finally, the most important lesson I’ve learned through this entire journey is to give myself grace. The journey from burnout to balance is not linear. Some days will be better than others. There are days when things don’t go according to plan, when I feel like I’m falling short at work or at home, or when I’m just plain exhausted. But instead of beating myself up, I’ve learned to step back and acknowledge that I’m doing the best I can.I’ll have moments where I feel recharged and ready to take on the world, and other times when I need to rest and reset. And that’s okay.

Remember, life is messy, and balance doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. There’s no “perfect” balance, no right or wrong way to manage everything. It’s all about being kind to yourself and recognizing that life is a constant ebb and flow. There will be seasons where you give a little more and others where you pull back. Trust that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.

Reclaiming Your Energy—One Step at a Time

If you’re struggling with burnout, know that you’re not alone. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and it’s okay to not be okay sometimes, It’s okay to pause, to reset, and to give yourself permission to heal. The key is to focus on small, intentional steps that support your well-being and allow you to reclaim your energy.

For me, this journey is ongoing—but with each day, I’m learning how to build a life that’s not just about surviving, but about thriving. I hope that by sharing my story, you find inspiration to take your own steps toward balance and begin the process of reclaiming your energy, too.

Thank you for being part of this community and for taking the time to read. I’m so excited to reconnect and share more with you in the coming months.

With love and gratitude,

Marissa Craft

Living or Existing

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Hey friends, I’m back!! I know, I know… it's been a minute since we’ve last talked. If I am being completely honest I’ve just been very inconsistent with my blog and other things that I once was very consistent at doing. But all in all I'm back and I have a question for you…

Are you living or existing?

For a little over a year now I have been a single mom and with that comes a lot of ups and downs. I found myself feeling sad, betrayed, and ashamed. Sticking to routines and trying to make sure that I was everything for my children while still trying to have time for myself. I found myself overcompensating for things that I felt they lacked because our family dynamic wasn’t the “traditional” family. Of course I carved out times throughout the day that I considered my me time and yes I still have those set times I realized it wasn't enough. As I reflected on how things were going and compared them to the life I wanted I realized I was only existing on this Earth and not living.

I decided it was time to change that and start living. Let me be very clear, I made a conscious decision to start living in a way that benefited me and my kids! It was time for me to embrace the grace that God had given me and grasp the blessings he was providing me.

So while I have been away there are a few things that have been accomplished along the way. For starters, I earned a promotion!!!! I have been at my with my current company for a little over a year and they have already given me a leadership position :)

I’ve started working out at least 2 days a week, most weeks I get an extra day in. Since my kids were born I have continuously said I was going to workout and always found the excuse that I had no one to watch them.

In addition to working out, I’ve been traveling. I never knew how I could financially travel and be a present parent at the same time.But like the old people say, where there is a will there's a way. I’ve been to Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Detroit.

Now of course the girl’s trip was a blast, I am most proud of the trip with my kids. As many of you know, I’ve been fighting the anxiety bug when it comes to taking the kids places by myself. Well guess what… I did it! We took a weekend trip to the beach and BAAABY we had a time! We explored museums, playgrounds, dolphin tours, brunch, and more.

So yes I have been a little inconsistent with my content and yes I have been MIA from the website but it was with all great intentions! I have been living!

I want to encourage you to identify the life you want and find a way to live it! Do not spend a lot of time existing and following through with other people's plans that you forget about your own assignment!

Follow me on IG @mommymetyme to keep up with me to see how the remainder of the year goes!

Also check out 5 Ways to Save Money to see how I can afford to travel and still pay the bills.

To The Girl From 2022

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 14:54:49 GMT

Hey Girl,

You did it! You made it!

Oh how I know that this year has not been the ideal year you planned for it to be. You endured some tough days and some even tougher nights. You’ve dealt with betrayal, dishonesty, and insecurities that could've and probably should've taken you out. You cried tears and screamed more than anyone could imagine. You’ve consoled yourself and pulled yourself out of some dark places. You’ve felt more alone than you would have liked to.

Even though you feel like this year was terrible, girl it wasn't. Let me tell you why.

YOU GOT YOU BACK!

Through all the disappointments you’ve identified how much strength you have. You have identified the things that make you jump for joy and the things/people that you will no longer tolerate. You found your time with God and strengthened your relationship with him. You have gained your power back! You have been able to adapt to your new role as a single mom seamlessly. You have learned to put yourself first and realized that you can't take care of anyone until you take care of yourself! You have been featured on three different podcasts. You’ve elevated your career.

Yes I know you lost some things but the things you gained have been far more beneficial. I guess the saying is true, you can’t take everybody with you. I strongly believe God has taken you on a journey to declutter your life and identify the people and tasks that you should be focused on. I’m not sure you realize this but, God ordained this year! He has prepared you for a greater 2023. So continue to love, provide positivity, and joy. And don’t you forget God is faithful and consistent.

———

Remember this—for yourself and anyone who is reading—what makes you a warrior is not how many battles you win, but how you carry the weight of good and evil. Even if there are times where you just have to put that baggage down for a moment to recollect yourself, you are STILL a mighty warrior. Your blessings and victory will come to you.

I leave you with this bible verse.

Psalms 46:10:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Stay tuned to see what 2023 has for me!

Follow me on instagram @mommymetyme

Grieving is Part of the Process

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Grieving is Part of the Process

How many times have you made plans for your life for them to only go as far as you writing them on the paper? How often do you have expectations for the way life should go only for it to go the complete opposite? Have you ever felt that you were being betrayed by the people you would do anything for? When you feel like the weight on your shoulders is far more heavier than others’? Is it fair to say that these unexpected events are times when you want to throw in the towel and give up? During this time you experience loss of what you thought would happen, which turns into grief.

This year alone has been packed with so much grief that at one time my eyes remained in a swollen state because of all the tears I had shed. During this time I have asked all the same questions you are probably asking yourself, why me, what now, what did I do to deserve this. In my opinion those are the typical questions of grief. I want you to know that grief is natural and it is supposed to happen. You aren’t supposed to lose something or someone and not feel anything. The problem is when we stay in grief and begin to let our feelings dictate the promises of God.

In the book of John 16, Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is about to come, spoiler alert… is death. He explains to them how they are going to feel in comparison to the world but in the end the light will shine and joy will be found for them all. You don't believe me, read it for yourself.

20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy

John 16:20-22

Told you! Jesus made it clear that there will be times when we are grieving and the people around us are shouting over the blessing that they are receiving. But you are also warned that through pain comes JOY! So go ahead and cry for a little while but don’t stop working and praying because you WILL receive a breakthrough that only God can prepare you for.

Are you grieving something and want someone to pray on your behalf? Or would you like to share an experience where you were grieving and God placed his hand on the problem and gave you more than you could imagine? Send me an email, I would love to hear from you and connect.

Also go follow my instagram @mommymetyme for motivation and tips.

The Frustration of Being a Single Mother

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 12:00:06 GMT

The Frustration of Being A Single Mother

When you think of motherhood, you think of the things that come naturally–feeding them, getting up in the middle of the night, bathing them, and making sure they have everything for school. But what about motherhood as a single woman? What happens to all those things that seemed easier with two parents?

You see when you part ways from the father, they think that paying a little daycare here and there is a remedy for everything. They’re not there when it’s the middle of the night and the kids can’t sleep, and they don’t take off work when one (or both) of the kids are sick. What about when you want that break? You know, like a day to yourself to unwind. They throw the “I’m busy” or ask “why?”. They just don’t ever seem to understand. My children are the best thing to happen to me and I will always make sure that they are taken care of, but why is it all on my shoulders? Why does it seem like I am holding the weight of the world alone? The thing about being a single mom that people don’t want to acknowledge is the drain it puts on you mentally. You’re constantly going full gear and having to do everything on time by yourself. You cook, you clean, you bathe them, put them in bed, and then you wonder “can I relax now?” or “do I have time for myself?” Before you can even answer your own questions, the cycle repeats itself and that’s what fathers don’t see.

Lord don’t even get me started on how everyone looking from the outside thinks they know just how good of a parent you are or how “bad” of a parent you are because of social media. I’m not posting about my kids every day or posting every time I wipe a tear because dammit that’s MY job as THEIR mom, not all you nitpicking, nosy people’s mom. Here’s the thing though, the moment a dad posts pictures with their child and they're hugging up all on them, showing them love—everyone falls to their knees, praising them for being a good father. As a mother, you’re expected to sacrifice everything and figure out all the problems as soon as possible, but dads—sometimes they just refuse to try hard enough to fix the issue and just push it aside. A mom is built to figure things out, make sh*t happen, and to make sure her kids are happy and successful. Dads aren't held to that same standard. They're allowed to only visit every blue moon and give the least amount of effort. Society has rules and expectations for moms, but where are these rules and expectations for dads?

How can you sit outside the house and act as if you have no responsibility for the kids WE created? Like you don’t have as much responsibility as me? It makes no damn sense. But you see, that’s the world we (unfortunately) live in. There’s this nagging question in me: “do i continue to beat a dead horse–keep poking and prying–or do I just say f*ck it and go on?” You’re viewed as a superhero–superman, but what about me? Where’s my handclap? My praise? I don’t get any because guess what? What I do is EXPECTED of me. You are held to a lower standard because most men don’t see the difficulties of being a single parent. DAMN THAT! Those standards are low as shit. All you’re expected to do is the bare minimum and here you go receiving a trophy and high five. God forbid, I do the bare minimum because then I’m a deadbeat mom. Why do I have to post everything I do with my kids to earn acceptance? Memories I create for MY kids is just that, memories FOR US and not the world. Let me be very clear, if you are measuring how much somebody is taking care of their child based on what they put on social media, you need to get a new measuring tool because that ain’t it!

These are some of the reasons why I am frustrated as a single mom. So, the next time you question a single mom or her love for her children, make sure you know that she is dealing with frustration and putting in countless sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears for those children.

Check out 5 life hacks on how to gain me time or 4 Ways to Maintain Your Sanity for some ways to help you relax and find daily peace.

Essential Rest for the Everyday Woman

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 19:40:58 GMT

Essential Rest For the Everyday Woman

We live in a fast past society. Full of the opinions of family, neighbors, friends, and even strangers. Essentially this generation believes that sleep is for the weak and for those who do not want much out of life. Honey! Let me tell you something, rest is essential.

Why should all of our time be spent on doing a million different things, but everything is only getting 10% of me because I am drained and exhausted? We do not expect our phones, computers, or cars to run off of 1% battery life, so why do you think you can? In order to be there for anyone else, you have to avoid exhaustion and burned out. Personally, I would feel guilty for wanting to rest when there was so much that could have been doing. And then I read this

“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he RESTED from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:3

If God needed rest how do you think we can make it without it? We can’t!

I constantly made excuses why I stayed up so late or why I was so irritable. Lack of sleep makes you irritable! Your patients are thin and your emotions are all over the place. You begin to take your frustration out on everybody around you, including the ones you love the most. When you are tired everyone around you suffers. It is impossible to give the very best when you aren’t 100%. So do yourself and everyone around you a favor and get the ESSENTIAL REST you deserve!

If you need help with ways to find time to rest check out 5 life hacks on how to gain me time or if you want to find simple things you can do other than sleep read 5 Daily me time ideas that provide relaxation and peace

Setting Boundaries Are Important

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 02:17:58 GMT

Setting Boundaries Are Important

If you have ever been shopping on a busy holiday or the infamous Black Friday, you know that many stores have ropes showing where the line begins. Why? They have to set the boundary for each individual that wants to purchase something. Could you imagine what the store would look like if those boundaries were not there?

What about driving down the road? How do you know which lane is yours or when it is appropriate to pass another vehicle? Those yellow and white lines dictate where you should drive and when you are allowed to invade another lane. Does even the road have boundaries? Shouldn’t we?

Why are we so available to everyone, all the time, every day? For what reason do we allow people to come into our lane whenever they want to? No matter how we feel, we give everyone the ability to access us. We feel obligated to make sure everyone is happy and that we are there to listen to everyone’s problems while neglecting the most important person, OURSELVES .

Girl, Stop It!

Set some boundaries for yourself and those around you. Don’t answer your phone today, it is fine. It is okay to not feel like responding to a text message right now. Do not feel guilty about taking a nap. Why shouldn’t you be allowed to turn your phone on do not disturb for a couple of hours and read a book or watch your favorite show?

It is important to recharge and refocus on yourself.

Do not let anyone guilt trip you into believing that you are selfish for needing a moment alone. In the beginning, it may be hard for people to understand because you have always come when they wanted you to. But if they love you and truly value you they will understand that isn’t anything personal. You have to show up for yourself before you can fully benefit someone else.

Setting boundaries are important. Let those around you know that you are unavailable today and that you will contact them when you are whole again.

Check out some of my other related posts Where to find your peace when life gets chaotic , 4 Ways to Maintain Your Sanity , and 5 Daily me-time ideas that provide relaxation and peace .

A Mother’s Guilt

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:15:14 GMT

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Some days feel longer than others— I never knew how much I’d cry. When did the simple things such as taking in groceries, putting the kids inside—hell even giving them a bath—become so stressful? To the point of feeling mommy guilt.

Every day that they cry I feel like it’s a reflection of something else I’ve done wrong. Every day they get a bad report from daycare, I take it personally as a bad reflection of something I did wrong. I feel like there is so much more I could be doing, more that they could be learning. Then I notice I don’t have time. I shed tears and cringe because there is so much more I could be doing. Feeling like their tears and progress reports are evidence of my wrongdoings as a mother, I battle with that woman staring back at me in the mirror. But time—the precious limited number of moments that I experience with them—is proving to be my greatest enemy. How much more can I teach them? How much more do I have to learn?

I experience mom guilt from the simplest things, I cry because they want a hug from me. I encounter Guilt because I am so tired and frustrated that I lash out and scream “STOP”. But what can I say? I am only human but it doesn’t stop my mommy guilt. Does the lashing out and exhaustion make me a bad mom? Does saying “STOP” make me the bad parent? Out of all the feats I’ve survived, I’d say that the mommy guilt makes me more human than I could imagine. It proves to me that I am learning and improving every step of this journey.

There are days when I am strong, there are days when I can keep myself motivated, but Lord there are days when that mommy guilt takes over. I feel every emotion possible but the most common of them all are overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed. Finally, I decided to reach out, I don’t know if you know it, but mommy guilt is common. Lord knows my battles—knows my fears and my strength, but sometimes that mommy guilt overwhelms me. Sometimes it swallows me whole and I can’t get free and I feel alone. The thing is—I’m not. This battle is being fought by so many others.

So I reach out and I tell my friends I need some encouraging words and they are there to pick me up when I feel like I have fallen short. *Sighs* The mommy guilt stops for a while but it always seems to resurface. My children are taken care of and they have everything they could imagine. So what is the guilt eating at?

I think it is crazy cause last night I was hella stressed out, I cried and beat myself up because of all the things I wasn’t doing. There are things in my life that I didn’t say I wanted this way. I never pictured certain aspects of my life to be this way but it is.

A friend mentioned to me “mommy guilt isn’t bad, it’s just a sign that you are being a great parent”. She also told me that mommy guilt never really goes away, you just learn to handle it a little bit better. It’s funny how we always have plans but God shows up and chooses the best one for us. So do what you can and lean on the village you have while you can.

You read more informative or encouraging content by clicking the blog tab. Also, follow me on Instagram @mommymetyme and Pinterest .

An Eviction Notice to my Mommy Guilt

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:13:12 GMT

This is my message to mommy guilt:

I do every damn thing I can to make sure my kids are happy. I get up at 5 am every morning and I don’t have to be at work until 8:30. I make sure their laundry is done, I make sure they have food to eat, I make sure they have things ready for daycare, I make sure they learn the things they need to learn, I make sure they smile, I make sure they go outside. I do those things because I am a DAMN GOOD MOMMY!

Nobody makes me do those things. Nobody makes me get up in the morning, I choose to do those things. So on those days, I’m tired, that’s okay because guess what my kids are still taken care of. My kids don’t know the hard things I go through, and they shouldn’t, but guess what they’re still smiling because they still have their mommy and that’s all that matters to them.

On the days I feel like I could be doing so much more, I pick them up with smiles on their faces and guess what they give me, a sunflower that they picked from a garden. It makes all the trials and tribulations I face so much better, worth every moment, every sleepless night, every extra step I’ve put in because I’m their mommy.

So mommy guilt you don’t get to make me feel bad any longer because I know I am doing a damn good job. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I put in the work to make sure my children are taken care of. So now it is time to put you to shame. It is time for me to tell you to go to hell! You don’t get to tell me what I should and shouldn’t be doing. You don’t get to tell me what I should be worried about because I have enough worries without your help. So take a backseat and watch me be the damn good mother that I already am.

And I don’t need anyone else to applaud me for what I do because I know I do them very well. Could I make some changes? Do I need to grow in some areas? Of course, I do, I am human. But for the position I am in right now, for the role that I am playing right now, for the odds that are stacked against me right now, I feel like I am doing a damn good job. So going forward mommy guilt, you don’t get to stay with me much longer because I know that I’m doing great and I know that my kids are taken care of and that is all that matters.

Goodbye!

If you missed my previous thoughts about mommy guilt, head over to the blog tab and read A Mother’s Guilt. Also, follow me on Instagram @mommymetyme and Pinterest .

Where To Find Peace When Life Gets Chaotic

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 01:27:13 GMT

Where To Find Peace When Life Gets Chaotic

Females are nurturers of everything living. We naturally take the responsibility and pressure of making sure everything and everyone is taken care of. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve gone without sleeping because I am up worrying about what I have to do the next day or even the next week. I spend so much time overanalyzing the things that I could be doing that I lose my sense of peace. After carefully thinking about the word peace I searched for the meaning of peace. This is what I found

Peace = freedom from disturbance; tranquility.

On paper, my daily life is everything but tranquil and it has disturbance shouting at me. 9 times out of 10 the things that are on our minds are a part of a bigger picture to make something or someone else’s life better. But we have to be careful that we do not lose peace somewhere along the way.

So what do you do when you are in a moment of stress and feeling anxious? Peace is needed but the kids are crying, dishes are stacked in the sink, laundry is piling up, and you have yet to start dinner. First of all, take a deep breath and shed a tear if that is necessary but then remember that God promises…

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”

John 14:27 NIV

Take a moment and have a seat. The laundry can wait another night. The laundry can go another night without folding it. Many times I have had to sneak into the bathroom and remind myself that God is my peace and he won’t trust me with more than I can handle. I just have to seek him and slow down.

Let me leave you with one of my favorite scriptures…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7

Pray for peace, wisdom, and guidance, and let God take care of the rest.

I love you but God loves you more!

4 Ways to Maintain Your Sanity

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 01:23:23 GMT

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4 Ways to Maintain Your Sanity

Each day we are faced with numerous responsibilities and duties. Many times, these things are for the following work, school, children, and or spouses. It can be really hard to balance your sanity and self-awareness in the midst of taking care of everyone else’s needs. Here are 4 ways to maintain your sanity in such a demanding world.

Stop people-pleasing!

Yes, we have daily responsibilities that require helping others and making sure they have the things they need. However, there are times when you can take on a task that is not a part of anything that is important to you or serves you any purpose. Too often we say yes to things that we want to say no to. Those things we really do not want to do but do in order to keep someone else from being upset or disappointed in us must stop. Learn how to say no. You do not have to be rude or nasty about it. But a simple “no, I cannot” is fine. This will keep you from stressing and straining on how and when you will have the time to complete the task.

Also, you are not obligated to give anyone a reason why you cannot do something. As an adult, you have the authority over what you do and what you do not do. Set those boundaries early. Therefore, you do not have an eternal battle with yourself.

Stop comparing yourself!

One of the major problems we have as a society is comparison. It is only getting worse with the numerous ways to “observe” other people’s lives via social media. Let me tell you something, people show and tell you what they want you to know not what you want to know. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and clouded judgment.

There is something special in you that is not in anyone else. It may be similar at first glance, but I promise you it is not exactly alike. The fastest way to kill that special gift is to compare it to something or someone else. By comparing yourself you are taking part in self-sabotage. I am a firm believer in what God has for me no man can take away. Know that you are where you should be now that is intended for you to be there. If you feel stuck or lack motivation do not seek social media influencers or celebrities to base your importance on. Seek counsel from God and ask him to give you guidance and understanding.

Check your why!

Why are you working that job? To make more money? Why are you buying that house? To keep up with your best friend? Why are you seeking that degree? To do better than your siblings? If you are doing any of those things for the benefit of bragging rights or to make a substantial amount of money, I suggest you self-reflect and refocus. Gaining access to material things will cause you to burn out and lose sight of what is important. Anytime money and pride are in the midst of why your judgment becomes clouded and you gamble your sanity. So much time will be spent on quick schemes and ideas to get you what you want. Those ideas could cause you to lose sleep, trust, money, and possibly relationships.

Your why does not have to be some elaborate affirmation. It can be as simple as; I want my children to have a better life. Whenever your why is bigger than you, you will be able to pull from a level of strength that you never knew you had. You will look forward to those moments of joy in someone else’s eyes, which will fuel you to keep pushing.

Rest!

Take a break. In today’s generation, people have the mindset that nothing comes to a person who sleeps. That is ridiculous thinking. Even God needed to rest. He specifically stated that he rested on the 7th day. Who are we to say we do need rest when the creator of all things needed rest?

There will come a time when you need to stop and take a moment for yourself. When you lack rest, your body goes into survival mode. You are unable to communicate properly, you become irritable, and you lack clear judgment. Rest and sleep are a necessity to maintaining your sanity.

You can read some 5 Hacks on How to Gain Me Time and 5 Daily Me time Ideas That Provide Relaxation and Peace for more tips.

How to Decide What Perfect is!

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 01:31:50 GMT

How to Decide What Perfect is!

As a woman, we struggle with the idea of being perfect or at least making everything look perfect. I can’t tell you how many times I have cried and overwhelmed myself based on what I wanted others to think or what others didn’t think. We, including myself, always find ways to be our harshest critics. Whether we admit it or not. Daily we find new ways to tell ourselves that there’s something about our appearance or lives that we need to change in order to be one step closer to “perfect”, but how do we decide what perfect is?

Over the years there have been many people who have stated that nobody is perfect, and I would agree and just move on to another topic or task. The other day I read something that changed my perspective on what perfect really means.

“With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy”

Hebrew 10:14 NCV

As believers of Jesus Christ, we are perfect in God’s eyes. He knows what we look like, outwardly and inwardly, our mistakes and our regrets. He sacrificed his own son in order to save us all.

Therefore, we are PERFECT! Never allow your wardrobe, stretch marks, or outsiders to make you feel anything other than perfect. We tend to measure perfect when we compare ourselves or our lives to someone else’s. Let me tell you something I heard from a podcast a while ago that has stuck with me, the fastest way to kill something special is to compare it to something else. Stop comparing yourself to your friends, social media influencers, YouTubers, and celebrities.

Right now I want you to redefine the meaning of perfect. This meaning can be forever changing. As long as you remember that you are perfect and God said that! Every day I want you to look at yourself in the mirror or front-facing camera and say, I am perfect and God promises that! Remain confident and blessed!

I love you but God loves you more

As mentioned in, 5 Daily Me time Ideas , journal your thoughts and reflect on how perfect you already are.

5 Easy Ways to Save Money Without a Second Income

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 01:30:56 GMT

5 Easy Ways to Save Money Without a Second Income

There are several reasons why you need to save money. There may be some big purchase you want to make or debt you are trying to pay off. Why you want to save money isn’t the most important thing right. The most important thing is how you can save money without having to get a second income. As a teacher, I am nowhere near making six figures. Add in the fact that I am a student, who is paying out of pocket, and a mother of twins. You can definitely say I am not rolling in cash. Therefore, I had to come up with 5 ways to save money and maximize my salary but still enjoy life.

Limit unnecessary spending/Create a budget

There have been times where I have looked at my account and wondered where my money went. That is due to me just spending money without actually having any idea where it was going. Every month I felt the need to find a part-time job just to make ends meet. Then someone introduced me to Dave Ramsey and the every dollar app. This app requires you to put in your monthly income and monthly expenses. Fill in essential categories first and then fill in the other things you spend money on (hair, nails, gas, clothes, restaurant, etc). And then you add your transactions when you spend money. You can even link the app to your bank account and the transaction will automatically appear in the app. After putting in my monthly income and expenses I became more continuous of what I was spending my money on.

Oh, yea! Did I mention there is a savings category too? As you are planning your budget you are also working toward your savings goal. Saving is another topic all by itself.

By having a monthly budget I am able to decide in advance what is important to me that month. From month to month things change. For example, if I know I will be going out of town I will add a category for that particular trip. Since I am able to keep up with what I am spending money on, I am to set aside money for those things that I want to do for myself.

2. Ordering groceries

I am sure you are thinking “that is just lazy” but let me tell you I save so much money by doing this. How many times have you gone into the store for 3 things and you come out with 11 things? At the time it doesn’t seem like much until it happens weekly and begins to tap into your mommy fund. In my post

“Top 5 Things to Help Gain Some Me Time” I mentioned creating a menu. You should use that menu to create your grocery list. When you write out your menu, write out the ingredients you will need to prepare that meal. Therefore, you will have everything you need and will not have to stop at the store daily. There is one thing I hate and that is getting off of work and going to the store. Not only will you be purchasing the things you need, but you will also be able to stay within budget.

And who am I kidding, whether you are on a budget or not, I am sure you enjoy going grocery shopping.

3. Cook/Limit eating out

If you are going to create a menu and buy the groceries, then use them. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to a fast-food restaurant when I had the exact same food in my freezer. Sometimes, I would even stop by the restaurant on my way home from the grocery store. I know you’re busy and tired and I completely understand. Trust me I feel your pain. However, fast food restaurant meals cost at least $5 bucks a meal and when you total in the number of people you have to feed, it adds up. Not to mention, if you have to take lunch to work the next day. I am sure you will end up spending money again at another restaurant, when in reality if you could save by having leftovers.

Don’t get me wrong, it is ok to eat out but do not make it a daily habit if you are trying to save money. Which is another thing I set aside money for in the app too.

4. Do somethings yourself

Now, this tip actually stems from being in a pandemic. When the virus arrived many things closed down and jobs became scarce. In order to maintain my account, and health, I had to learn how to do a few things for myself that I would normally pay someone else to do.

The first thing was my hair. Now anyone who really knows me knows I hate doing my own hair. Like I really do not like doing my hair. However, I realized it was just the fact that I did not actually know what I was doing. I made many different excuses for why I could not do my own hair. I would say things like, I have too much hair, my arms will get tired, or it’ll take me too long. That is when YouTube university and her neighboring school Pinterest (LOL) stepped in. I began to search for all these different ways to do my hair. I was amazed at the fact that there so many detailed videos on different hairstyles and multiple methods for each. And the plus is, I have saved a ton.

I have also started doing my own nails. When I say doing my own nails, I mean I buy the really pretty Kiss press-on nails and put them on. Before you giggle, these press-on nails are not the same nails they were when I was a little girl. They come in different shapes and lengths with rhinestones and designs.

In order to get the most wear out of them, I found several videos on how to make them last for two weeks and it has been a game-changer. I am now paying $10 (if that) when I could walk into a nail salon and easily pay a minimum of $60. I have had many women compliment me on my nails and after telling them they are press on they are amazed.

Other ideas would be cooking, cutting the grass, washing the car, and fixing little things here and there. Again youtube and Pinterest have changed my life in so many ways because there is literally a video or pin for everything.

5. Use the library

I am sure you are like WTH!! But listen, as I mentioned in 5 daily me-time ideas , I enjoy a good book every now and then and I also need specific books for my students. That can all become expensive, even if you do go to stores that sell used books. A good friend once recommended that I check out a particular book instead of buying it. I haven’t been the same since. And get this, there’s an app too! You can look up books you are looking for and have them on hold waiting for you when you arrive. Therefore, you do not have to search the shelves upon arrival. Also, if your local library doesn’t have the book, you can get the book sent to your local library from another library at no cost.

The library is not only a place to check out books, you can also find movies, magazines, classes, and children’s activities all for FREE.

Oh, yea it is quiet. So let’s just pretend you need some time to yourself to thumb through your social media apps or sort out your planner. You can always pull up a chair at your local library and gain the peace and tranquility you’ve been looking for.

Check out my amazing friend’s Instagram, Adollartilwealth , for more ways to budget your money and other financial tips!

Let Your Weakness Produce Your Strength

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 01:25:40 GMT

Let Your Weakness Produce Your Strength

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

There are many areas in your life where you probably feel weak and beaten down. Every time you take 2 steps forward something knocks you back 3 more steps. It seems like you can’t do anything right. It is time to stop looking at your situation as a weakness and begin to let that weakness produce your strength.

God promises us that when we are weak he is strong. Instead of consulting with family, friends, and colleagues about your problems, talk to the only one that can provide you the true grace and mercy.

Paul tells us how he is not ashamed of his weakness because he knows that God will supply all he needs to get through. He goes further and explains that he delights in the hardships and insults. Paul is resting on the strength of God to get him through. Use God’s promise as a stepping stone to continue to make it through the day. Do not let outside critics make you feel embarrassed about the troubles you are going through. Everyone in this world has troubles, they’re just not openly shared.

During this weak moment, you will learn many valuable lessons. You will become stronger each day you allow God’s strength to guide you. The next time you feel like throwing in the towel and giving up, take a moment and ask God to provide you with His strength to comfort and guide you through your journey.

I love you but God loves you more!

5 Life Hacks on How to Gain Me Time

craftmarissa10@gmail.com (Marissa Craft ) — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 01:20:46 GMT

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5 Life Hacks on How to Gain Me Time

By reading the about me section on my site you can imagine how busy I am. I have teacher tasks, student assignments, and mommy duties to complete daily. When I first decided to go back to school, I was drowning in the things that I had to do. I always felt like I never had time to just sit down and take a breath. That is the reason for these 5 life hacks on how to gain me time

After many days of feeling burned out, I had to create a system to help me maximize my time. Which in reality freed up some time for me to spend doing whatever I wanted. In the morning and at night after I have completed my homework is my alone time. Therefore, here are a few tips you can adapt to fit your life. Find the pockets in the day to grab you at least an hour to yourself.

Creating a routine

In order to control my anxiety and keep myself from becoming overwhelmed I had to create a routine for my family and me. I have a routine for pretty much everything. I have created an efficient routine that works for my house whole. For example, I try to make sure dinner is ready and the kids are eating by 6:00 pm. After dinner is bath time. I am not as time conscious when it comes to what time or how long the baths last. Typically, the kids have anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to play before it is bedtime. Bedtime is at 8:00 for the kids and they have a routine for that (LOL). By having routines the kids are a lot more responsive because they are aware of what is about to come next.

2. Creating a weekly menu

Growing up, I remember my mom asking me or my dad what we wanted for dinner, and 9 times out of 10 the answer was “It doesn’t matter”. I know some of you are thinking “I can’t believe she even gave an option” (haha). Anyways, that same cycle started to happen in my house and it began to drive me crazy. I would wait until the day of to decide on what to cook for dinner. Or I would either forget to take the food out to prepare. These small challenges would ultimately delay our schedule causing me to lose the opportunities to have some time to myself.

Now let’s get one thing clear, I am no chef and I cook for convenience. I am also a very picky eater. Let me say it plain and simple COOKING IS NOT MY FAVORITE THING TO DO! However, it is a lot cheaper to do when you have multiple mouths to feed. Therefore, typically on Friday or Saturday, I will see what foods I already have and start preparing my menu from there. I like to use the things I already have before buying other things. On my menu, I will literally write pizza if I know I am ordering pizza. I will also put a question mark for some days which means we would eat out or have something quick like chicken strips and fries.

Here is an example menu,

Sunday – Steak, baked potato, & broccoli

Monday – Chicken, rice, carrots

Tuesday – Tacos

Wednesday – Chicken alfredo

Thursday – Hamburgers

Friday – Pizza

Saturday – Take out

By having a menu, coming home and cooking will be an easier task. Which will help stick with the nightly routine.

3. Ordering and picking up groceries

This tip piggybacks off of the second tip. I believe the person who created grocery pickup did it for me. First off, who wants to take two toddlers grocery shopping? Secondly, who wants to go grocery shopping after you’ve done many other things? Finally, how many times have you gone into a store and placed items in your cart that were not on the list? By ordering groceries I save time and money because it allows me to stay within my budget.

Check out my post 5 Easy Ways to Save Money Without Getting a Second Income for more budget tips.

The menu that is created for the week is used to create the grocery list for the week’s meals. There is nothing worse than trying to cook and there are ingredients missing.

4. Packing lunches the night before

This is also a part of my daily routine. After cooking and making sure everyone has eaten. I will pack lunches for the next day. The majority of the time I have leftovers for lunch and the kids only have snacks and a cup they have to take to school. By doing this simple task you can free up time in the morning to either sleep a little longer or have a few extra minutes to yourself before waking the kids up.

5. Picking out your outfits for the week

I have so many friends and family members who have told me they decide on what they are going to wear in the morning before they go to work. Let me be the first to admit, I am too indecisive to wait until it is time to get dressed to choose an outfit. On Sunday nights I take out this expensive smartphone and go to my weather app and decide on outfits based on the weather and what I will have to do that day. I actually go get the things out and fold them so they are right there when I am ready to get dressed.

I don’t know about you but my clothes are not always where they should be. Therefore, I don’t have the time or energy to look for clothes, that could possibly not even be clean, the morning of. In addition to getting my clothes out, I get the kid’s clothes out as well. By doing this, more time is freed up throughout the week to get important stuff completed early.

Keep in mind that these are the tips that work in my life. Take these ideas and adjust them to what makes sense for you. The ultimate goal is for you to free up some time so you can have a mental break and relax. Be sure to check out some of my other tips and soul care ideas.

Using these 5 hacks will help you gain so much time. Check out 5 Daily Me Time Ideas that provide Relaxation and Peace for things to do during your me-tyme.

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5 Life Hacks on How to Gain Me Time

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5 Life Hacks on How to Gain Me Time

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