Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Anyone Else?

Is anyone else out there like me? I use to watch moms that gave and gave, but never took time for themselves. I swore I would never do that. Like my wise grandmother always says, never say what you are never going to do.

The problem is it is hard. It is hard to take time away from others and spend it on ourselves. Yes, we know it's good and healthy, but before we know it another day has passed and we didn't exercise, didn't relax, didn't recharge our batteries. I'm consistently breaking the airplane rule. The one where you put your oxygen mask on before helping small children seated around you.

I am really struggling with this. I'm really struggling to implement a pattern of keeping myself full of oxygen.

Are any of you successful at doing this? I and other readers of this blog would love to know how you do it. Even if you aren't 100% perfect at it, tell us the things you do well.

3 comments:

  1. I don't know if this helps but I find if I try to plan too much or too far ahead, I get all panicky. So I've learned that I should make tentative plans based on what needs to be done and what I'd like to do, and then just take one day (or hour) at a time. Do my best to push myself, because we grow from challenge, but also prioritize things that I know I need to make me feel better, be happier, and more likely to accomplish the other stuff. For example, if I don't exercise, I get grouchy, and then I'm of no use to anyone.

    And don't forget, you can drop baby off for a couple hours while you recharge!

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  2. I've found that scheduling everything works for me. It sounds crazy and overbearing .. but really, balancing a demanding calling, a business, and a family of 5 is a crazy amount of work so scheduling every little thing througout the day (allowing for flexibility of course!) allows me to have more peace in my home and more consistency for "me" time because it is scheduled at the best times for everyone :) Also, strict early bedtime is the BOMB.COM and Trent and I are part of a babysitting swap group so we get 3 Friday nights a month with FOUR HOUR dates. All of these bring more balance and happiness into my life (and I will say, these were things that have become necessary the more kids we've had ... we didn't "need" a strict schedule with one, but now we do ... so I guess it's a timing thing too :)

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  3. Honestly, that's why I quilt. (You asked about the quilt I made for my friend. I made the quilt top before I took it to my mom's to finish it.) It is very fulfilling to see the FINISHED product and very rewarding to give them away. My sister-in-law taught me. I would suggest taking a beginner quilt class, if you have any quilt stores around you. If not, call me. Let's see what we can accomplish over the phone or email. :) jandrl@msn.com

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