The Day I Realized I’d Let Myself Go…
The Day I Realized I’d Let Myself Go (And Decided to Do Something About It)
Let’s talk about the day I realized I’d let myself go (and decided to do something about it). Have you ever stopped, looked in the mirror, and thought, Wow. I don’t even recognize this version of me? That was me last week—wearing baggy sweatpants, a dingy old T-shirt, and pink Crocs that didn’t match a single thing I had on, feeling just as tired as I looked. Realizing I’d stopped showing up for myself in the middle of the everyday chaos.
It was one of those days when the mom schedule felt like a full-time delivery service. Drop the youngest at the hairdresser. Pick up the oldest from summer camp. Drive her to play therapy. Oh, and try to sneak in a manicure and pedicure somewhere in between, because apparently my toes had decided they were done participating in polite society.
I didn’t even think it would work. But I found two sweet nail techs, bless their hearts, who were willing to do my manicure and pedicure at the same time. Truly, efficiency at its finest.
But let’s talk about the real wake-up call: as I rushed out the door, I glanced at myself in the mirror. I looked like I’d given up. But worse than how I looked was how I felt. Tired. Overwhelmed. Pulled in a million different directions.
And it only got better when I sat down for my pedicure and rolled up those sweatpants to reveal legs that could have used their own landscaping service. I was so embarrassed.
Here’s the real kicker: I only made time for the appointment because my college bestie and her family were coming into town to visit the next day. I couldn’t bear the thought of her seeing me looking like that.
So I made a plan. The next morning, I actually got up early (shocking, I know). I curled the ends of my braids, squeezed in a last-minute eyebrow wax, and even ironed a dress. Yes, ironed!
And you know what? I felt better. Not just because I looked a little more put together, but because I had actually taken the time. That was the moment I realized: I can’t keep talking about self-care if I’m not actually living it.
And no, I don’t mean rushing to get my nails done once every few months out of embarrassment. I mean slowing down enough to feel good about how I show up every day. Not just for others, but for me.
It also reminded me of something my old productivity coach told me. She’d say I needed to give the same care and preparation for a quiet dinner with my husband that I give when I’m getting ready for a tv segment or an event.
She was right. But I want to go even further. I want to show up for myself like that. Because my daughters are watching. They see me. They see themselves in me. And I want them to see someone they can be proud of. Someone they’ll want to emulate. Not someone they want to pretend they don’t know when their friends come over.
And honestly, this is about more than just my looks.
When I talked to my doctor about my weight gain, she gave it to me straight. She said with everything I have going on right now, losing weight is going to be tough. Not what I wanted to hear, but I appreciated her honesty.
She said: Let’s just focus on one healthy meal a day. So that’s what I’m doing. We picked breakfast. One good meal a day, increasing my water intake, and moving more. That feels doable.
And for any other mama reading this who’s ever felt like she lost herself somewhere between the school drop-offs, dance rehearsals, therapy appointments, grocery store trips, and endless to-do lists—please know that you’re not alone.
And because I can’t just tell you all my business without offering something helpful, here are three real-life, mom-tested tips for looking and feeling more like yourself, even on the busiest days:
Stop Saving the “Good” Clothes for Someday
You know that dress you like? Those comfy but cute sandals? Wear them. Even if you’re just going to the grocery store. Especially if you’re just going to the grocery store. If you wouldn’t want to run into an old friend or your kid’s teacher in what you have on, maybe grab something that makes you feel a little more you.
Use the “Mirror Check” Rule
Before you leave the house, pause and really look at yourself in the mirror. Just ask: “Would I be okay if I see someone I know looking like this?” If the answer is no, swap something out. Add earrings. Brush your edges. Throw on some lip balm. It doesn’t take much to feel a whole lot better.
Put Yourself on the Calendar
We schedule everything else—doctor’s appointments, school pickups, hair appointments for the kids. Put you on the schedule, too. Even if it’s just 30 minutes to drink your coffee hot, take a slow walk, or sit in the car alone listening to music before going back inside. Treat it like the priority it is.
So here’s to the mamas in sweatpants and Crocs. To the moms too tired to shave. To all of us trying our best to hold it together while everyone seems to need us all at once.
Let’s promise to show up for ourselves, not just for everyone else.
Because you’re worth it. 💕
If this hit home for you, I’d love for you to keep going on this journey with me. Check out some of my other articles on MomsBeyond or MomLife Today for more real-talk, faith-filled encouragement, and practical self-care tips made for busy, overwhelmed moms like us. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves, one step at a time.
