For the three of you who voted for the massage, you'll be happy to know that Peanut-lover surprised me with a spa package yesterday. He got a great deal as a promotion for four sample spa treatments to use over the next 6 months.
For the two that voted for another post. Thank you. I needed for at least one person to select that option!
In the end, I opted to go to the library and read. I figured my babysitter wouldn't appreciate finding me asleep in my bed and do you have any idea how long it's been since I've read
As I was walking to the library, I pulled out my ipod touch and started up my music. I think this is the second time that I've actually used it to listen to music. It's a little hard to wear earphones and have the mommy ears on duty at the same time! So there's me, bopping down the road to NSync (yep, I'm confident enough to admit it) and it felt SO WEIRD! Like I should have a sign on me saying that I'm not just me, I'm a mommy too. But then my ipod shuffled on to the Doodlebops and I got distracted trying to quickly change my music!
When I got to the library, I have to confess that I spent the first half hour picking out new books for KK. Then I settled into a chair and got a whole 3% of my book read before I had to head back home. (It's a long book). (Over 1000 pages). (World Without End - is it worth the investment of time to finish the other 97%?)
I knew I was ready to be mommy again when I couldn't wait to get home to show KK the books I'd picked out for her! (She was really excited).
With all that's been going on with our friends lately, I felt a little
I have to keep doing this...taking breaks for myself. It's the only way that I can be the kind of mommy I want to be. Not a perfect mommy, but a great mommy.
Don't feel guilty! We all need "me" times. If we let ourselves get lost and burn out, what will be left to give our spouse and children? You are doing the right thing for the circumstances you are in. It is great that you have this option open to you right now and enjoy it! You are teaching a great lesson to your daughter in doing so. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Ride!
ReplyDeleteRecently I attended a conference in Chicago. One of the presentations was 'Enjoy the Ride'. I have heard that old adage a hundred times “Life Is a Journey Not a Destination”. I listened, laughed, got teary eyed and when I was challenged to really look at my life and all that it encompasses to list the 5 most important priorities I have I did and here they are:
1. God
2. Health
3. Family/Friends
4. Income
5. My world as being a socially responsible person. Everyone deserves to be loved.
Let's break these priorities down.
Loving God and keeping His will and desire for my life is at the forefront of all that I do. His ways have never been conventional with me; however, I have never doubted (been surprised yes) at how God uses me, trust me He sure does.
Secondly, Health - the health of me. . .Emotionally, mentally, socially, physically and sensory. If I don't take care of this important priority - nothing else will matter because I will not be able to make anything else a priority. This is the one aspect of people’s lives that so often gets misplaced. Lack of sleep, good, nourishing food, fresh air, clean water all contribute to an empty tank leading to a downward spiraling tunnel. I know better and sometimes I just have to make myself do the right thing - like exercise!
Family, how lonely life would be with out those we love in it. When we give our time to the ones we love it gives them the opportunity to give back to us- typically life works that way but unfortunately not always. Children learn how to love and give, act and react from us - their parents and best teachers. We all are surprised when one of the little ones says grown up things - we shouldn't be as they are constantly learning. I remember saying to my darling children when they were young - play, dream and laugh you will grow up way too fast. They when they were in high school longing for that first part-time job I said to them - relax, take your time – these years will be the easiest time of your life - don't rush it. Unfortunately perhaps we all rush life too much. Instead of living for today, we consistently make plans for tomorrow, next week/month/year or retirement. What happened to just enjoying all that today has?
Working should be enjoyable. We all think we spend way too much time creating income when we would be rather doing something else. I have learned to love the work I do. I surround myself with great people who also encourage and support me. That is what makes making the bucks enjoyable.
Involving myself in the big world outside of my comfort zone has kept me focused on all that we do have. I know for me that if all my wishes would have come true, the deep character that I have now would be somehting entirely different today. Those who live outside of my bubble constantly give me the perspective on life that I need.
As I live with my priorities in order life doesn't get so overwhelming for me. Living with a chronic illness keeps me focused on where my ultimate strength comes from. Paying attention to my health, nourishing my body and soul keeps me alive to enjoy my dear family and friends. Working at a job that I love makes my days enjoyable and challenging and provides me with the means to care for myself, my family and those around me in my world - wherever my world is on a day to day basis.
Your post said so much that in taking the time to restore your heart, mind and soul you were rewarded as excitement began to well back in your being to be the best that you are.
As always, I am so proud of you and love you so much.