I’m constantly working on balancing my time, which I'm sure is no different from many other working wives/mothers/caretakers. I’m the type of person who needs a lot of “me” time to recharge my batteries, rejuvenate, and keep myself on target regarding my goals. Shoot, who am I kidding? More often than not, “me” time is spent mindlessly puttering. Or dabbling (I love to dabble).
Finding time for “me” in busy, calendar-filled days has frustrated me more than ever in the past year. Quite honestly, I’ve been known to get annoyed with my husband on occasion for being around too much of the time. Sad, isn’t it? Creating “me” time in a week filled with 40 hours of employment, running a household, and caring for the various needs of a husband, two daughters (who knew that they’d still have so many “needs” when they’re grown?), and an aging mother is challenging.
I’ve made some improvements lately. I value fitness and I’ve figured out that the only way I can ensure working out most days is to attend exercise classes during my lunch hour. I’ve recently decided to read each night when I go to bed; the problem there is that I often fall asleep before finishing the first page! Since recuperating from my accident, I try to plan a bike ride each weekend. And, my most recently acquired self-indulgent pursuit is writing in this blog. For me, these are all happy, fulfilling activities that help keep me sane.
Still, by my calculations, that’s less than 10% “me” time per week. But for now, in these days of the over-extended calendar, all I can do is carve out the minutes I can, savor the moments I do have, and look forward to more in the future. Baby steps!
Those are rich, valuable steps you are taking and as Mary might say, "Right On, Sister!" What I will say is I love you and feel for you. You DO have a very full plate, have for years, and you manage it amazingly well!
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