Serenity
It’s what I’ve been lacking, so busy taking care of everyone else and failing to take care of myself. Cliche of me really. And so, I’ve consciously begun to take some care back.
It’s not time so much, I had things I did, it’s the space inside my head, it’s the time alone, the time for quiet, the time for putting myself first.
I’ve started losing weight, getting fit. I take walks, alone and with a friend. As my body feels stronger and healthier, my mind does as well.
I bought myself a new sewing machine, something I’ve been asking for for three years, but is never a priority for anyone but me (nothing fancy, but a basic, good machine). A serger will be coming in the months ahead.
I’m knitting more actively again, planning projects, casting on and letting my mind let go.
I made bath salts and body scrubs and I lock the bathroom door.
I minimize my on-line interactions (blogs and twitter pretty much). Actually, my real life interactions as well. I’ve cut out the fat, down to the lean. Held on to the best.
I’m starting for the umpteenth time The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and then Don Quixote (the 3rd time). My two favorite uplifting books, not particularly similar.
I’m working on accepting my limitations.
Do you find you have trouble placing limitations? Finding a place for yourself? What are things you do for your own serenity?
I love that you are doing all that for yourself. How lovely!
I absolutely have trouble placing limitations. And I am horrible about finding a place/space for myself. But I’m working on it. I am my own work in progress.
For me right now serenity is beginning with removing the literal clutter from my house. It is a more daunting, frustrating and overwhelming project. But with each tiny corner that I clear out…leaving behind only what brings me joy or is necessary I add a bit of peace to my life.
One pebble …one step… one moment….they add up right?!
I think as moms we all put ourselves aside for a time.
I’ve recently been pondering who I am, after being the mom for the past 22 years. Not that I want to stop or anything, but it does take priority over life in general.
I find that nurturing my creative side makes me feel very good. It sounds like that works for you, too.
Yes. I am always putting my own needs on the bottom of the pile. But, like you, I’ve started taking back. Cutting out the fat was actually a painful process in some areas, but it’s been beneficial as well. I have a pile more time for things that are more important!
I like the reference to serenity! As you know like you I need to escape, walking/running, creating/sewing/knitting and reading. I always miss you but my desire to be THERE is so strong right now.
I am glad you are taking some time for you.
I love having a serger … definitely a nice addition!
At the moment I am forcing J to complete a to do list I created for him. Things around the house that will help me feel peaceful. We have been purging and reorganizing. When we moved in, a lot of stuff just got stuffed in places to get it done. Now everything is being taken care of. It feels good. I also balance a baby in a sling a knit a little. It makes me patient. Mostly.
This is something that has been really nagging at me lately, actually. Work is so all-encompassing these days that I don’t know WHEN I had the last me-time! I sat down and watched an (albeit stupid) movie on tv this afternoon and actually felt guilty. Got to find some balance very soon, or I will be beyond burned out. Thanks for the post…I needed it!
Oh, girl, now you’re singing to the choir. I don’t know when’s the last time I did something all by myself just for myself. I literally can’t remember! If I want to spend some time alone, I have to spend so much time explaining to Mom #2 and Baby Boy that I’m not mad or sick, just need some “me” time, that I usually just forgo it, LOL.
Good for you for taking stock of your real and virtual life. I’m sure you’ll find yourself much happier and serene for it. If you have time, don’t forget to pop in for an update, we still love you out here in blog-land.
Do you have many sewing projects planned? I’d love to see them. I hadn’t sewn in literally 20 years and then I made those two costumes for Baby Boy’s play and all of a sudden I caught the bug. We’re too broke to buy fabric, so right now it’s just an itch, Ha ha. Hopefully I’ll be able to scratch it soon enough.
I find it tough especially when it comes to exercise. I do better in summer and I hope to do better this winter. I used to do a lot of crafting and sewing but lack of space and time has dipped into that. I think when the kids are moved out, I will get back to it, but then perhaps the acreage living has something to do with my lack of time too.