I've generally found being a Mother delight some and truly joyful. But there are times, however, when I find myself feeling worn out and just wanting time away from everything. I've often heard other mothers voice their desire to "have a break". Although I've heard the insensitive response, "You don't get a break from being a Mom!", it doesn't change the fact that it is necessary. That poor mother is expressing her need for some down time. Regular down time is possible, if truly desired. Different people find this in different ways, whether it be grocery shopping (me when my oldest ones were little), a warm bubble bath (My Mother when
we were little), a night out with the gals (some of my close friends), working un-interrupted on a hobby, or what have you, the fact of the matter is, we all need that time to think for ourselves without the physical and emotional demands a family regularly requires. Through my 18 years of being a mother, I have found many ways to enjoy some regular, consistent
down time. I have found it crucial to the emotional well being of
everyone around me. Because this is so important, I'm going to share my regular 3 with you today.
1) Routine Exercise- When I take the time to exercise each day, I find a great deal of fulfillment that not only benefits me and my health, but is an invaluable example to my children. This regular time designated from 6-7 a.m., not only gives me and my family the benefits of the consistency, but it also gives me an hour to think through my day, work out solutions to problems that are causing turmoil in my life, and allows me to run off stress. I feel more focused, organized, and motivated to accomplish much more throughout the day. Not to mention the already well known medical advantages to regular physical activity.
2) Quiet Time- I remember when I was a child, my own mother would have a nap time in the summer. Even though we would protest that we weren't tired, she would tell us that
she was, so we were required to take an hour to rest. After I had my first child, I realized how invaluable a regular daily "nap time" was for the child. They may not always recognize that they need to rest, but I found that having that hour each day decreased fits or tantrums and increased rational.
This hour (1-2 p.m.-after being well fed for lunch) becomes precious to not only the mother, but child as well. I call it "quiet time" because the idea is that they just take an hour to be by themselves, enjoying a peaceful activity of their choice, in a place of rest. I allow them to watch a quiet video, read a book, listen to soothing music, or work a puzzle in their room. Even though they will often fall asleep for a nap in the process, this isn't
truly the goal. I often enjoy this time to read, while sucking on my
one Dove chocolate for the day, and take a snooze myself. Thus,
Down Time.
3) Date Night- When my husband and I were first married, we talked about how we didn't want to be like those old people walking down the street without holding hands. We decided it was important to us to always be, not only friends, but truly continue to grow in our love for one another. I'll never forget what room we were in, where we were sitting, and which way we were each facing when we decided that we were designating Friday as our regular date night, and that if we needed it to change due to circumstance and/or schedule, we would take Saturday night as a time to be alone.
Through the years, we have been instructed by leaders of the church, as well as studies showing how important it is, to take that time to continue to court. Here we are 21 years later and still taking that time every week to enjoy a night together. Especially through the challenging years of Steve's regular travel, and times of financial difficulty, this date night has kept our relationship steady and strong. Not much money, if any, is required to experience a fun filled date.We are able to enjoy conversation that is un-disturbed, really talk about our concerns without eaves droppers ;), play activities we enjoy, and go out to eat where we desire...just for fun. By fulfilling a promise we made each other all those many years ago, I have realized the example we are showing our children. I attribute this regular time together to our happy marriage and the reason I continue to think he is the most
amazing man in the whole world, more so than I did before. I find myself looking forward to this time together each and every week!
So that's my tip for today. A happy mother designates time that not only benefits her, but by so doing, benefits her family as well!
