If you’re a mother, please do one thing…around your house every day? Nope. For your husband? Nah. To make the world a better place? Maybe, but that’s not what I mean.

So many things can go by the wayside in motherhood: hygiene, a clean house, a sense of control in a world that no longer belongs to you but for all you Moms out there, I implore you, do one thing, just one thing…FOR yourself.

Get up really early and read. Or to watch that DVR’d tv show that your kid should never see. Sit down to eat a meal. Read People Magazine. Carve out time to get a pedicure. Take a bath. Scrapbook. Girl’s Night. Get ready for the day. Ignore them. Turn on a show for them. Give them a pile of snacks. Just make the time.

For me, that thing is running.

I have become the reason they make sport and athletic shoe ads, in slow motion, to the theme song for Chariots of Fire. I’m why they make up cute and inspiring quotes for t-shirts and social media about women who run. I fall for it hook, line and sinker. Because with so much of my identity wrapped up in other people at this time in my life, I need to be inspired to remember myself. I need to have one little thing that’s just about Krissy. I’m not even that good at it and in my pre-kid life, the most I ever ran was, like, 3 miles. When I go for a run now, I exceed what I once believed I was capable of. Running (some) distance, without incontinence. Setting an example for my kids to be well, to put themselves first in some small area. Besides, who are we kidding, it gets my head straight to prepare me for the battle ahead. Against laundry, against sibling contention, against the crowds at Costco.

Whatever it is, make it a priority to do something for yourself. It’s ok. It’s important. It’s essential. You will be better for your family. Do just one thing for yourself. Oh, and I don’t mean drink a bottle of wine. Although, no judgement.