I’ll always be a daughter, wife, and mom. But tomorrow, for a couple hours, I’m just going to be Melissa. I’m taking the whole day off work to spend shopping and lunching with one of my besties at a lux mall in Troy, Mich., and I CANNOT WAIT.

I won’t be carrying a diaper bag. I won’t need to think about nap-times or sippy cups or what to put in a Snack-Trap. (Maya will be at daycare).

I won’t need to worry about my hubby waiting outside a dressing room while I try on my fourteenth pair of jeans. (Luis will be at work).

I won’t need to worry about daycare pick-ups, taking Rocco for a walk, dinner prep or bath-time. (Luis will be doing all that).

I can’t even begin to tell you how freeing this all sounds!

Or — depending on your POV — how deliciously selfish.

But here’s the rub: I don’t feel like it’s selfish at all for a mom to take a little time out for herself. In fact, I think it’s crucial to her well-being to have a little “me” time, spent exactly how she wants to spend it — at least once in a blue moon.

Don’t get me wrong: I love the hustle and bustle of my life and wouldn’t have it any other way — but our days are usually chaotic and go-go-go from the moment we walk in the door from work til the moment Maya goes to sleep around 8. And though I do get a little me time each week (I go to Zumba classes 3-4 times a week), I’ve been in desperate need for a little “me” time/some girlfriend time without a time schedule.

I’m a firm believer that it’s important for all women — and especially moms — to have a little time away to recharge and rejuvenate.

Which brings me to tomorrow. My day of recharging and rejuvenation. I’m headed to bed now, though I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to sleep!

How about you? Do you make time for yourself? Do you find it hard to carve out time or feel guilty for doing so? Do you think it’s selfish? (It’s OK if you do — I’m asking!)

PS–As I was editing this post I read my friend Alison’s post which touched on this exact topic. How funny is that?!