Fri | Mar 29, 2024

Defining your own balance

Tamieka Boodie on raising her mini-me and prioritising self-care

Published:Friday | May 20, 2022 | 12:05 AM
Tamieka Boodie says focusing on her mini-me, while prioritising her own self-care, is never easy, but necessary.
Tamieka Boodie says focusing on her mini-me, while prioritising her own self-care, is never easy, but necessary.

Being a mother is arguably the most demanding job on the planet, requiring skills far beyond a nurturing spirit. Modern-day moms will tell you the biggest challenge is achieving balance between prioritising the needs of their children and actively pursuing their own dreams and aspirations. For business development executive, social media influencer and make-up artiste Tamieka Boodie, focusing on her mini-me, while prioritising her own self-care, is never easy, but necessary.

“My daughter is my only child, so it’s important for me to be her biggest cheerleader, best friend, and ensure that she constantly feels empowered in any way that I can, especially when it comes to finding her voice. We do everything together, there is no celebration in my life that she is not a part of,” said Boodie. Still, she confessed that it became increasingly difficult to practise self-care with the demands of motherhood and professional obligations.

SELF-CARE

Incorporating self-care as part of her regimen was the answer. “As mothers, we are self-sacrificial by nature, so it’s almost like when you go out or probably go and get your nails done, you almost feel guilty because it’s so frowned upon especially with social media. However, I realised that I can’t be at my best for her, if I don’t feel good either so I ensure that I am also taking care of myself, ” she passionately declared.

Recognised by Baileys as a ‘Modern Day Mom’ for 2022, Boodie, who wears many hats, credits having a strong support system for keeping her ship afloat. “It really does take a village to raise a child, and I am happy to know that I have my parents, her father’s parents, and my friends to help. As mothers, we tend to want to do everything on our own, but we have to recognise that we can lean on others once they are willing to support.”

For Boodie, a Modern Day Mom lives life in a positive and fulfilled way. She urged anyone who aspires to motherhood to understand that the journey is not linear. “Motherhood has evolved in so many ways, and I think it’s important for every mother to be self-aware, adaptable and confident in your decisions for your child. I also implore mothers to throw out the textbook definition of balance and create their own version. Sometimes balance means bringing your child to work with you. Balance does not have to be setting aside time; sometimes things overlap and it’s okay to not completely understand it, or be perfect at it. What matters is, you understand that it’s a process and enjoy the festivities that come with it. You’ll have a little meltdown every once in a while, but don’t be too hard on yourself,” shared the make-up enthusiast.

Baileys, the Original Irish Cream, is celebrating the spirit of modern womanhood, affirming that mothers can be strong and feminine, beautiful and witty. Boodie and two other career-minded moms were gifted with swanky Mother’s Day packages to celebrate their success at raising families, while becoming the best versions of themselves.