So remember the other day when I talked about something I forgot to put on the schedule? Well, there's something else: Me.
I rarely--if ever--make it on my list. My typical thought process goes something like this:
I'll rest/read/relax/_____ when everything is done.
And, of course, everything is NEVER done. There's always something else on the list. Laundry to be folded. A bathroom to be cleaned. A project for work. Math to grade. A meal to be planned. A drawer to be organized.
So I've been putting myself on the list. Getting acquainted with my couch. Reading books. Taking bubble baths. Watching Glee. Flipping through magazines. Laying by the pool with my eyes closed. Being still and just breathing.
Something just for me. Every day.
It's surprisingly hard. Which just goes to show just how much I need it.
What about you? How do you put yourself on the list? Something you do just for you?
Oh wow! This is so true. I see that my dear husband has no trouble relaxing and taking time for himself even though there are things that need to be done around the house. Why can't I? I feel guilty taking time for myself. I think that I "should" be doing something else. But, I know this is wrong. We can't give anything to our families if we don't get refreshed ourselves. :o) Thanks for this reminder. Hugs!
Posted by: Stacey | May 25, 2010 at 08:44 AM
Congrats! I made the commitment a while ago to use my nap time every day (I have preschoolers...) for me. I don't allow myself to do chores of any sort during this time, and I use it to study my Bible, have coffee, and sometimes just day dream. I have found that I am much 'healthier' when I stick to it, and I think my family would agree. It makes a much better afternoon for when my husband gets home b/c I'm not a grouch just throwing the kids off on him so I can have 'me' time. He has been at work all day and deserves some time too. And I think one other plus is that my kids see me doing daily sorts of things and don't just think the house magically gets cleaned!
Glad you're getting some time to take care of yourself! Enjoy!
Posted by: Mandy | May 25, 2010 at 12:57 PM
I too use my kids quiet time for down time. None of them nap anymore, but we still have one hour a day when they go in their rooms to read, play quietly, etc. This is my sanity! I read, nap, and just BE! During the summer, it's a little more challenging to get this done, but I still aim for a break sometime during the day.
Posted by: Kelli | May 26, 2010 at 02:21 PM