Went to a self-defense class at the Hamot Wellness Center on Saturday for a future Her Times story. (Yes...a shooting range two weeks ago, self-defense this week... hmmmm.) While there, Master Sam Copeland dispensed not only self-defense advice (more on that in the February issue of Her Times), but he gave some really wise life advice.

Never did I think I'd get great working-mom life advice from a man, but...alas...Mr. Copeland gave this profound example that all women (and men) can learn from on the value of taking time to do things for yourself.

He said (I'm paraphrasing):

"Imagine you're walking home from the grocery store and you've got a mile to go and the bags are very heavy. You're struggling and struggling to carry them...straining your arms. Finally...you put them down because you need a rest. If you can just rest for a few minutes, you know you'll have the strength to pick them up and carry them for awhile again.

Life is like that. If you're constantly walking around trying to carry the heavy bags -- it will wear you down. Life will wear you down. The weight will wear you down. But...if you take some time to put the bags down...just for a little bit (and go exercise, or read for a bit, or just relax), you'll come back stronger and you'll be able to pick up those bags and carry them again."