When Is the Last Time Wrote In Your Planner; "Time for ME"?

“A human being sometimes needs to do nothing. He may seem to be doing nothing yet in fact he is tuning out of the outer world in order to allow the inner intuitive mind, to drift and dream. For those that remember, before television and computer games, there was cloud-gazing — a spiritual, introspective pursuit with no goal whatsoever. I saw myself when I shut my eyes: space, space, where I am and am not.” ~Octavia Paz, Nobel Poet

When is the last time you wrote in your planner: TIME FOR ME! ?

I remember being a young mom with 4 young children, trying to do it all. The house had to be clean. The flower and vegetable gardens had to be weeded. Meals needed to be healthy, and home made. Kids had to be involved in sports. Reading to the kids was a must! Bills had to be paid on time. Laundry was always in a heap, even though it was done at least three times a week. My car pulled in and out of our driveway constantly!

I was married to a hard working man who was brought up much the same way many men from that generation were. All of those jobs I just mentioned (and of course, many more!) were mine. It was an unspoken understanding that it was "the woman's job". At the time, those JOBS were my LIFE. Although I fell into bed at night, I looked forward to every single minute of doing those things (Okay. I lied. I didn't look forward to EVERY thing.).

If I could do it all over, I would. However;

I would have taken time out for ME.

I would have journaled.

I would have taken a class every fall to learn something new.

I would have learned how to be mindful.

I would have gotten to know the most important person in my life, and possibly in the lives of my children and husband. ME.

At the end of the child rearing season, which when I was smack in the middle of it seemed sometimes to last forever, you look back and think; Where did that time go? Right?

We hear that all the time. Enjoy the time with your children while they are young, because it goes by in a flash! But what we don't hear is; Where did MY life go? Who am I now that I am no longer that busy mom that everyone depended on? I have no skills, no interests, and nothing left to talk about! (because my interests have all moved out!)

Take the time my friends, to do for yourself. Take a class. Find a workshop and create something you will cherish! Learn mindful walking, breathing and seeing.

“It is returning, at last it is coming home to me – my own Self and those parts of it that have long been abroad and scattered among all things and accidents.” ~ Nietzsche

“Honor your uniqueness yet understand that each is unique in different ways. I write in order to discover myself.” ~ Maya Angelou

Get READY TO EXHALE, and find yourself again!