“You will never be happy if you continue to search for
what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for
the meaning of life. “
~Albert Camus
Do you ever feel like you just need a day off?
The end of last week I felt as if I had come to the end of my rope,
literally. It had been one of the most challenging weeks I
have had as a Mom and it just kept heading downhill. Each day would start out promising and then go south like a brick in water. And the journey was painful.
On Friday night when my husband got home from a long week at work I proclaimed
that I was officially clocking out as a mom for the weekend and he was on his own.
I needed to get out of the house and be alone, be with some other
girls….something other than being a mom. Fortunately my husband is already very hands-on with the kids so he accepted with no questions. Well, he did have one but I gave him the hand and said, "nope, off duty." (I know, not so nice but I think he knew to stay away after that one.)
I always
tend to get caught in a funk after the holidays so the timing of my mood was right on schedule; however, different from years past, I also felt as if I had fallen out
of touch with myself.
As much as I love being around groups of people, I am wired to need a certain amount of alone time and I had reached empty. Sitting with myself and having time to just roll through the thoughts in my head without interruption was exactly what I needed. After treating myself to a pedicure I went to an old favorite sushi spot for a late lunch and glass of wine. I spent an hour reading my Marie Claire magazine without feeling guilty or rushed.
As I settled into a state of peace and comfort, I looked around and observed the people surrounding me. Two moms and their middle school daughters were having lunch next to me. Listening to their conversation I realized that my little guys have little problems and was thankful that I didn't have to deal with counseling my kids on bullying and silent treatment from the popular girls. Soon enough the group of moms and daughters were laughing and it made me smile because I was reminded that in the midst of our challenges we can find hope.
A couple of tables away I watched two girlfriends who were enjoying a day together. When they got their check one swiftly picked it up and said to the other, "no, I want to take care of YOU for a change today." The other woman was so touched and it made me get goose bumps. I thought of how much I appreciate my good friends.
As I carefully watched the people that surrounded me during that lunch, I kept receiving pictures from my husband of the treasure hunt he was guiding our kids through while I was away.
By the end of the meal I felt that my tank had been filled. I walked to my car and just before I left decided to look at Instagram. There I saw a quote from a father to his very pregnant daughter: "...if life travels at the speed of sound, it's too soon silent. Enjoy the noise, enjoy the chaos, enjoy the mess--order is overrated."
I had made the weekend date with myself because I felt my life was out of order but at that moment I knew it was just as it should be.
Life is a series of ups and downs but it is the low moments that humble us, teach us and push us to appreciate the rainbows in our life. I put my phone away and drove home to be what God has blessed me to be-a wife and a mother. And for this I'm grateful.
(I had these adorable cozies made by The Cozy Project for my best friend and me so we think of each other every morning although we're far apart.)
On the far side of the restaurant sat two elderly couples. Just before they got up to leave one couple handed the other a gift bag. I never saw what was in the bag but the other couple clearly felt it was sentimental and immediately started recalling distant fond memories of their friendship. All four began laughing and hugging and I found myself feeling joy inside for my own family and friends.
I had made the weekend date with myself because I felt my life was out of order but at that moment I knew it was just as it should be.
(Jumping on the bed with my kids: Something I've vowed to do more of in 2013.)
"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told:
I am with you kid, let's go!"
-Maya Angelou
I love it
ReplyDelete"if a person doesn't spend time by themselves, they will always be someone else" me
As a mother to four very active full on children time away has been a source of strength to me. It allows me to recharge my batteries and renew my spirit to be the parent I want to be. Time away, I feel, brings you closer together :) I know how you're feeling. It is so good to do something just for yourself by yourself and it's even better coming home!
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