Have you taken any time recently to have a little relaxation?
What I consider relaxation varies from day to day and can take on many different shapes.
One day it might be making an effort to drink my morning cup of coffee while it's ALL still hot.
Other moments, I crave a pedicure. Some weeks almost demand a massage (please tell me you've had one before?). Other times it is simply getting 10 minutes to lay in the grass and stare up into the sky, uninterrupted.
There are times that I run a hot bath, with fizzy stuff and attempt to read a book, but most times I get too hot and crabby after 5 minutes and end up sitting in front of a fan, without having gotten any chapters read from the book.
I think that we all need a break from the go-go-go and the to-do list. It sounds obvious, right? Of COURSE we all need a reprieve from the daily grind ... but how often do we really make an effort to do it?
Can you remember the last time you set aside the obligations of the day, of the week and just set aside time for YOU?
I get my best ME time when I'm writing, journaling and listening to music. I often explore last.fm or Pandora to educate myself on new-to-me music. When I can think clearly enough to plan ahead, I also very much enjoy pilates or yoga for some head-clearing time to myself.
Since this whole overseas relocation started, I have also taken to more regular pampering exercises, often at the suggestion of my Husb.
When I don't take time for myself, I can almost watch myself fall apart, lose patience with those around me and forget where I should be focused on.
Lots of moms I talk to say that they don't make time for themselves, because they feel spoiled. They say its wasteful to take that time, get a pedicure and not be with their kiddos. I'm not spoiled, I'm just hoping for a more balanced life, and a happier momma.
I have really needed to make a conscious effort through this process to set aside time for myself. I wish I was able to help Todd carve out some time from his busy schedule to get some "Todd time" ... we sure all need it! Hoping to have that high on my list of priorities when we finally arrive in Delhi ... helping him take time and focus on himself a bit more!
Ready to get your massage on? Some of my favorites ...
LS Day Spa (Omaha, Nebraska)
Alicia's Massotherapy (Bainbridge, Ohio)
