Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.The Nester has posted her word for 2014: slow. Carrie is focusing on living in the moment this year. Hawaii Planner is hoping for a quieter more relaxing year. I like the desire for peace and serenity that appears to be floating through the blogosphere. In truth I intend to work my butt of this year but at the same time I'm striving for balance. While I focus on excelling in 20 different areas I want to take a TON of time out to enjoy right now. I like that: "there is a noble art of leaving things undone." I might need to tell myself this often while I debate whether I should straighten up around the house or sit down and color a picture with my son.
-Lin Yutang
Today was NO SPEND day 2 for the year.
Logging into facebook only every other day is actually quite easy and enjoyable.
I've thus far found 23 things to get rid of (20 to go from my Christmas sweep).
I haven't bought any non-consumable/ non-grocery items/ stuff yet this year.
Today's lovely: Taking a shower. There's just something wonderful about being clean (something that often evades me).
I don't know if you will have any peace with a much more mobile little one... :) But honestly, as a mother of two, I find that it's extremely important to find time for yourself to enjoy life - whether it is to have a date for you and Hubby, get a haircut, go for a run alone or just lock yourself in a bathroom to read two pages of a new book... The best way for me to enjoy life is sometimes remember that I too have needs (and a shower...:)
ReplyDeleteI know and its important for sure to remind ourselves of this. I remember for the 10 years when everyone else had children and I did not, I told myself ALL the time, "even when your world revolves around a little one, you need to take care of you. You can better take care of your child when you're taking care of yourself." Even so that sure is difficult advice to live by.
DeleteI'm going to at least try and read more this year, try to really keep my eyes open for little bits of beauty in the here and now, and set aside small chunks of time for myself (like you mentioned). You might be right about the lack of "peace" but there will be moments of calm... right :)
loved this post! I'm working hard at trying to find the joy in the small moments (uh, almost tripped over a deer while sending a work email on Friday, so clearly there's room for improvement, despite my efforts), & taking time for myself. It's hard, & I thought that it would get easier as the kids got older. It definitely does, but I still feel like I need to spend time working on house stuff, spending time with the kids, working, or working out. Outside of that, I'm not sure what "me" time is. Working out is definitely great for clearing my head, though.
ReplyDeleteI think this was your longer response; I just published them both. I'm finding taking time for me to be practically impossible. That's one of the reasons I really want to focus on tiny moments this year. I do need to take time for myself also though... just need to figure out how. hm
DeleteI typed up a much longer response, but blogger failed to post it. Long story short, working out is my me time. The only time I don't (usually) feel guilty about carving out time just for myself. Not for work, or the kids, or my husband, or working around the house. I relish it!
ReplyDeleteI'll probably try and take my boy on more walks this spring. We live in a very nice lakeside city and going for walks is one thing hubby and I have always loved doing. It really clears your head. I definitely haven't done that enough since Abe was born. He used to love to freak out in the stroller about 15 minutes from the house.
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