9 Mistakes for Middle Aged Women ...

My mom rarely ever buys anything for herself. She gets things for everyone else and only buys herself the necessities – if that. And that's just not necessary. Don't be afraid to splurge or pamper yourself. It doesn't even have to be about clothes or shoes. Don't feel bad about buying yourself the perfume you really like, or the foods, or even the oil you prefer to have in your car.

Everyone needs change in their lives, or else you run the risk of stagnating. Sometimes change is scary, no matter what your age, but it's still important. Whether you're 14, 24, 34, or 44, you can change up your routine and try something new.

First up, I don't mean this the way it sounds. I don't think there are a lot of Miss Havisham's out there, with the clocks in their houses stopped. What I do mean is, so what if your measurements are different than they were at 20? So what if you have a few more laugh lines? The past is the past for a reason, and I can guarantee that everyone who loves you finds you more beautiful now.

No matter what, you cannot sacrifice yourself for everyone else. That doesn't mean you can't love and do things for your partner, your children, your friends, or family members. It simply means that you can't forget yourself.

I don't have children myself but I know that you pretty much stop getting sleep when you become a mom – and it tends to stay that way for years, even after your children are older or grown. To bed at midnight, 1am, 2am, up at 6am – that's not enough sleep! Always make enough time for that; your body and your mind both need the rest!

Guess what? You do not have to cut your hair short unless you want to. You might feel like it's expected of you, but frig that. You don't have to be like your mother or your grandmother either, and wear tight curls in hair that looks decidedly blue. Again, frig that!

The older you get, the more support you need. You might be wary about going with an underwire or something for the first time, but it might be necessary. Comfort is great, just remember that support is as well.

Akin to sacrificing for others, you might not be taking enough time for yourself. Don't be afraid or feel ashamed about doing so, even if it means going off by yourself for a weekend, or simply making the time for a long bath or a walk. Time to get in touch with yourself is always important, but it's especially vital now.

Don't stop doing the things you do, if you find them fun. You don't have to stop running marathons, going swimming, or anything like that. You don't have to settle down into some calm, boring life – unless that's what you want to do.

When you think about it, these are good pieces of advice for girls or women of any age. Do you have any to add? How do you make time for yourself?

Top Photo Credit: MarleneFord