At the top of her pyramid she lists some things that aren’t necessary for survival, or a measure of self worth or friendships even, but things that are necessary for true contentment.  Way up there, in the “Self Actualization” section she lists: Time to think, read, create, hobbies, passion and adult conversation.

This top level of the pyramid won’t just happen for you.  Not with the wiping of noses, the packing of lunches, the laundry and vacuuming and blowing of bubbles.  It is work to find time for reading, creating and hobbies.  It’s difficult to find our passion after long days of pouring our hearts out to fulfill the needs of others.

These top level activities are the very things I try to write about here at Maternal Spark.  I do this because I know they are important for my happiness – and yours.  Remember to nourish this part of yourself on a daily basis because we all deserve to be happy.  We all deserve to grow our full selves and learn what makes us flourish.

There will come a day when our children no longer need us for things that used to take up much our our time. One day they will move out and have babies of their own and then what will we be if we’ve neglected this portion of happiness?

Things you can do right now to work towards a full and happy mind:

• Read – it doesn’t have to be much, a page, a chapter, a blog entry.  Go read something you enjoy.

• Reflect - take a moment for yourself and mentally walk through an activity you enjoy, but don’t have time for. Think about the smell of your paints, the feeling of brush on canvas.  Or if you’re a knitter think about the softness of the wool and the sound of the needles clacking together.  It will fire you up and encourage your passions.
• Reserve – Plan to set aside a bit of time to get hands on with your creativity.  Find an hour.  An hour where you can send the kiddos packing for a picnic in the park with their daddy.  An hour where you can dive into something that feeds your top level needs.  Just an hour, it’s not much but it’s the difference between connecting with yourself and, well, not connecting with yourself.

Reviewing this diagram has also made me reflect on the fact that I’m very fortunate to be able to focus efforts on the higher level items.  I’m lucky to be in a safe home with food in the fridge and a loving family who supports who I am.   I feel very grateful at this moment, how about you?

thanks to Megan for permission to share her diagram on Maternal Spark!