helenheadshot21I know what you’re thinking. What on earth does that headline mean?

I recently flew to my hometown on Frontier Airlines. Frontier, believe it or not, still has the flight attendants doing the whole oxygen mask demonstration, at least on this particular aircraft. I usually fly United, and they have it all televised on their monitors.

Anyway, I got to thinking about those oxygen masks. You’ve all heard the drill. If you’re traveling with small children, secure your own mask first before helping your child with his mask.

These instructions no doubt make all mothers wince. What? Take care of myself before I take care of my child? Who could think of such a thing? That’s bad mothering!

But there’s method to this madness. Without oxygen flowing into our own bodies, we’re pretty limited as to what we can accomplish. In short, to help our children breathe, we must first be breathing ourselves.

This is my round about way of encouraging all you Mama Writers out there to take a little time for yourselves. If your needs are met, you’ll be better able to meet the needs of your children, and your mind will be freer to flow with the creative energy your writing requires. I’m not suggesting months of globe trotting, of course. Most mothers, myself included, couldn’t bear to leave their children for such a long period. But an afternoon at the spa with the girls, an evening out with hubby, or even just a relaxing bubble bath will do wonders for your psyche. And you know what? Your babies and your WIPs will still be there when you return.

So go ahead. Strap on that mask and take a long, sweet breath of oxygen. You’ve earned it.

Helen Hardt is an attorney and stay-at-home mom turned award-winning romance author. She met her real-life hero in law school, and they live in Colorado with their two teenage sons. Helen writes contemporary, historical, paranormal, and erotic romance for Ellora’s Cave, The Wild Rose Press, and Aspen Mountain Press. Her non-writing interests include Harley rides with her husband, attending her sons’ sports and music performances, traveling, and Taekwondo (she’s a blackbelt.) Visit Helen at www.helenhardt.com and www.helensheroes.blogspot.com.