good life with katie jaeger

Part of cultivating a good life is believing that self-care isn’t selfish. 

I am a firm believer in taking time for yourself. As I’ve gotten older I have realized with each passing year that I am adding more and more to my plate as time goes on. Why do I do that? Because I believe that I can handle it most of the time. But I also know that the reason I often take on so much is because I know the value of a break and self-care and what it does for me and my soul.

Breaks and self-care look different for everyone.

Some people need sleep. Some people need quiet. Some people want to exercise. Some want to go to the spa or go on vacation. Some want to just shut themselves in a room for 20 minutes and scroll Instagram uninterrupted. Whatever it may be — advocate for yourself. Do not feel guilty because that is what makes you a better person. A better wife. A better husband. A better parent, friend, family member. Advocate for yourself, people. You are the only one who can turn choice into action and make these things happen for yourself.

I am always improving and usually failing at a million different things on any given day. There are always things to work on. Taking small steps is the first start. Here are a few examples of small steps I have taken to make self-care more of a priority in my life:

Set time boundaries related to work and family. This one is not always easy, but I feel less guilt on both sides if I have firm boundaries established. This one will always be a work in progress.

Getting a manicure every two weeks. It’s always scheduled. This has been such a small thing that has made a huge difference in the way I feel.

Formed a skincare routine. I always washed my face, but it has been fun to explore new products and try out some “fancier things.” I love all types of beauty products, but skin care is my favorite.

Making time for friendship. One of my best friends comes over once a week for a movie night or we go do something else together outside of the house. There have been times in my life where I have felt too busy to maintain friendships, but as I have gotten older, and since becoming a mom, I have rediscovered the importance of having close friends and the joy they bring to my life.

Found a hobby. I decided to start gardening last spring and it’s changed my attitude completely about having a “hobby." I just love it and I make time for it. It’s now a priority.

I am not a fan of telling people how busy we are when they ask how we are doing. Yes— life is busy. It will always be busy. But it is so full. Full of the good, bad, amazingly hard and heart-bursting moments that we all go through. We all have a choice when we wake up in the morning about how we are going to spend these precious hours of the day that we have been given. Let’s take some time for ourselves so we can give back to others. 2018—we’re ready for you!

I would love to hear the big or small steps that you are all planning on taking in 2018 towards putting yourself first! I know you can do it!

a note from becky

What a fantastic reminder as we bring in a new year. Thank you, Katie! I've liked Katie from the moment I met her. We know each other through our mutual friend, Ali Edwards (Katie is basically Ali's incredible "right hand" in her business and also one of her very dearest friends). Katie is kind and a hard worker and super talented. And now I know she likely has really fantastic skin, too!  ; )Connect with Katie :: Instagram