Five Things
Losing bits of yourself is part of being a mom, I think. In the first few years, you`re so busy caring for this little being that you just don`t have time or energy to do what you used to love. Add a home business to the mix and you REALLY have no time! So today`s exercise is to reclaim a piece of yourself.
First, list five things that make you happy, that don`t involve your children or work. You can list them in the comments, on your own blog or even in a notebook on your desk, the idea is just to get them out there. Here are mine:
- Sitting under a palm tree with a mug of hot tea.
- Reading a great book without interruptions.
- Writing fiction (not technically work since I don`t get paid for it and far more enjoyable than SEO articles).
- Cooking a very elegant meal.
- Listening to music from the 50`s and 60`s.
Next, commit yourself to doing one of these things each week. More often is better, but I know how busy things can get and sometimes there just isn`t time to sit and cloudgaze on a daily basis!
Make sure you don`t let yourself get lost in being a work at home mom, you deserve to let yourself do things to make you happy, too!
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Recently, I realized that caring for my over-exerted self meant more than just relaxing for an hour or doing something I enjoy. To be sure, those are important to do too. But I had been doing those things for a while and still felt like something was missing. It finally dawned on me that what was missing was real FUN and good belly laughs. Fun and laughter reduce a lot of stress by changing the chemistry in our bodies; that is, it releases the good stuff that makes us healthy.
I’m on a mission now to rediscover what is really FUN for me and not just fun for my kids. I am determined to find time for great company, with the intention of having a great, long laugh. Joy will help me to have the energy and attitude that I need to persevere with my kids and at-home-job.
That`s a great observation, Sarah. I`ve tried to get back to painting, something I did a LOT before my boys were born, but it just hasn`t worked out while they are still so little. Keep us posted on how your search goes!