Remember that list I made a couple posts back about how I was trying to be the best
Wife, Mom, Daughter, etc...... that I could be without going insane?
I would like to add something else to that list.
Well, two things actually. First, I forgot to list that I am a homeschooling parent, so I should probably add teacher to the list. :)
But the one item I was thinking about was.....................
*ME*
It took Mom to remind me of this the other day.
She mentioned she was worried that I did all these other things, but that I didn't take time for myself. My knee jerk response was to deny this. Here is the list that ran rapid-fire through my brain:
* I homeschool my kids because I want to.
* I am working on writing a book because I want to.
* I help at our Awana club because I want to.
* I started this blog, because I want to.
* We do family activities becaust I want to.
etc... etc... etc.... etc... etc....
Then I realized. Just because I want to do something and it is for a good cause, that doesn't mean it necessarily relaxes or rejuvenates me.
Big Difference.
Then the next thought was that I don't have time for one more thing. I mean, already I feel guilty when I sneak in a book and the dusting (pretend I dust, OK?) suffers or I let my children watch an extra video that day so I can finish the story I stayed up to 2:00 am the previous night reading.
Just when would I fit in regularly scheduled "Me"time?
Oh, and my Bible reading and Prayer Time with God.... Was that on the list?
It used to be. I like to think it is. But let me pause and take a quick tally of the number of times I have actually gotten up the past 2 weeks to spend time in the Word and in Prayer............um......um....... I think once, maybe twice..... Sad.
I'll write more on this soon, as I am approaching critical mass for this post already. But it totally relates to this post, so check back in a day or two .....
So when or how am I going to fit in Me Time? I'm not sure, but I need to start working on it! Right now I'm a stressed-out-not-so-happy Wife, Mom, Teacher, etc... etc... etc... because I'm not a happy and relaxed ME.
I'm going to post a mantra to be used as needed.
Feel free to chant out loud with me:
It is OK for me to make time to relax and
accomplish nothing on my "to-do" list.
In fact, I need to. Then I might just accomplish my goal of being the best Wife, Mom, Daughter, Teacher, etc... etc.. etc... without going insane!
P.S. You will be happy to note that I have scheduled this Thursday night to enjoy scrapbooking.
I know, I'm proud of me, too :)
Question for you: What do you do for total relaxation, to feel rejuvenated?
AND - How do you fit it in?
Bubble baths. I take them while Mark is putting the kids to bed. Even with the occasional interuption of a girl needing to potty (we have one bathroom) I can unwind and let the bubbles and warm water wash away the day. Thank Jesus for bubble baths!
ReplyDeleteI would like to point out that your husband must support your "me-time" efforts. If he is the type that needs the house cleaned or a hot meal every night or whatever- it becomes more difficult to accomplish that "me-time" and still get your "stuff" done.
ReplyDeleteOh, and then there's that pesky problem of what happens if you've actually lost yourself. What happens then? How do you separate yourself from the volunteering because you want to and the homeschooling because you want to and "free time" that get spent at the park. Yes, while at the park you're taking a break from your "stuff", but honestly, that park isn't "me time", that's still "kid time". What if you've forgotten what it is that rejuvinates you? What if you remember, but actually doing it brings too much guilt? There just aren't enough hours in the day.
Debating on whether this is too transparent to post. Hopeful that not too many of your readers know me! :)
Sincerely,
Not a SuperMom :)
Running is my number one 'escape'. Even when I'm tired, running gives me my 'I time' as we call it in the Borders fam. (I think it comes from the I in Introvert.) I download NPR, Slate and Splendid Table podcasts before I go and either listen to those or some good, encouraging music.
ReplyDeleteI also like to blog for fun (as in not my 4 work blogs, but my fun blogs), make a cuppa (tea British style) and read fashion blogs.
PS - "Just because I want to do something and it is for a good cause, that doesn't mean it necessarily relaxes or rejuvenates me." Can I get that on a bumper sticker?? (Not that I have a car...)
Again - good post!
ReplyDeleteMy 'me time' is one Friday every month when I join some friends for scrapbooking. It is tomorrow night (oh no - Friday the 13th!). Maybe I should start inviting you again - it is nice to get away and chat with other ladies while working on scrapbooking.
Hope you had fun scrapbooking tonight!
Susie, I've not yet gotten into the habit of checking your new blog...my loss. So I'm catching up tonight. I am pleased you are making a point to relax. Kevin is very supportive of me doing just that on Fridays, my day off (for this school year anyway). But then, my day gets away from me...laundry, cleaning, kitchen duty, time alone with God (which really needs to have more meat on many days). But today I made time to watch a movie...I struggled with guilt, but not enough to turn off "To Catch a Thief" w/ Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Oh, and I also had rolls and coffee. Lest you forget, taking time to rest and rejuvenate yourself is all part of healthy maintenance. It's also good for your family.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Susie.
Mom
Joelle -
ReplyDeleteI might take you up on scrapbooking - but Friday nights are family fun nights, so I would probably have to go late.
Mom -
I miss watching those old movies with you :( Cary Grant and Grace Kelly HAD to of been a good movie. So glad you over-rode your guilt and watched it! :)