Oh, it feels so good to not be sick anymore!
I always feel so invigorated as the New Year begins, and this year (starting sick), seemed to take some of the wind out of my sails. Still, this week, I am feeling much better, and I’m ready to face the world again.
I’m trying a new experiment. As a young mother with lots of young children, I learned early on, that I’m a lot happier and better ABLE to be a good mother when I take time away from them to do something creative and that I enjoy. I know that might sound weird, but in taking the time to write a song, or learn to play something new on the piano, it gives me time to relieve stress, feel invigorated, and give me the energy that actually HELPS me to be a better mother. In addition, sharing my songs with the world, has also helped me to feel a great sense of accomplishment and purpose – to feel like I’m doing something good in the world, even when I hardly ever leave my home.
This has continued to work well for me, except for the days when my list of “to-do’s” has left me NO time for myself. My family knows that’s when I’m more prone to be grumpy and more irritated. So a few months ago, I decided that it was important enough to try putting myself first, even on days when it didn’t seem like I had the time to do it. My experiment involved playing every morning for a few hours before I did my responsibilities and other household chores. It had an amazing outcome, the days that I played first, I almost always got everything else I needed to do, plus more! I was also MUCH happier. My family was happier, because I was happier, and everybody wins! It’s something I’ll continue forever. =)
This year, I’m trying a new experiment. This one is a little harder. It’s easier to put aside some work that you have to do and try “playing” first, but this experiment will involve, giving up some of my other free time.
It really is amazing how many hours we have to work with in the day. Especially for a stay-at-home mother. There’s quite a bit of time we have- watching kids, and not really doing anything else. I have always liked to try and do two things at the same time. Watch kids, and write a song on the side, or learn how to write a computer program. These things have helped me not to get bored, and to find enjoyment in what I’m doing.
Now that my kids are getting older, they don’t need so much supervision time, but what they need more is one-on-one time. Time “playing” with them! I’ve gotten into some habits that have kept me from really learning how to enjoy living in the moment with them. This year, I want to do better at that.
I’m going to give up some of the time I used to spend on personal projects, and try to spend it helping my kids with their personal projects. What the experiment will be, is to see if I can get the same or even MORE fulfillment in what I’m doing, though right now it seems to be LESS fun. We’ll see.
Anyone have any suggestions of some fun family traditions? We’ve started two more this year — Staying in the kitchen after dinner until everything is ALL cleaned up, and I’m having my kids wait to do their homework after school until after dinner, so that they can also “play first” – (though they still have to do their jobs first….) Fun stuff!
