I don’t know about you, but for me, the Covid-19 lockdown has had a really positive effect! I’ll admit it—I have this knack for seeing the bright side in every situation. If you don’t already, give it a try! Life is so much better and easier that way!
I’ve rediscovered a great passion I’d previously cast aside because life moves too fast: reading. I quietly started reading again and realized that this activity forced me to take time for myself, to slow down—something I rarely did. Why? For the same reasons—excuses—as you! Too much work, (far) too many projects in progress, the kids, the house, and so on. In short, I wasn’t doing anything that would help me relax and escape.
Now, I make myself read every day. Even if it’s just one page, it’s a page during which I can unwind. And that, Mom, is necessary. That moment when I don’t think at all about the dishes piling up in the sink or my dog’s hair flying around on the floor as if we lived in the Wild West or the endless stream of emails. This moment is for me and me alone.
Believe me, dear Mom, your well-being rubs off on your children. The time you take for yourself can only be good for your relationship with your little ones. A smile is contagious, just like a good mood. Happy mom, happy baby!
I know that twenty-four hours in a day can sometimes seem like not enough. I’ve often thought that, too. Yet ever since I’ve started taking time for myself, I feel like I have more time for my projects, the house, the kids, and so on. Why? Quite simply because I’m more fulfilled and happier. So I try to tackle all my tasks with a smile on my face, knowing that later on, I’ll get back to a good book—a book that will introduce me to a whole new world and take my mind off my daily routine.
And then, I pass this passion on to my oldest daughter. We can snuggle up on the couch, each reading a book. Okay, she’s only three, so she’s just looking at the pictures! But the fact is, she enjoys this time spent with me. It’s a two-for-one deal as far as I’m concerned. My little “me time” is spent with my precious daughter, and it’s just as liberating!
And you—what do you do that really makes you feel good?