Basically, yes, it is all about me. That is what this blog is intended for. For me to write, and write and write and write and post silly photos and phots I love and thoughts I have and ideas that come to me and what ever else takes my fancy. So if you are reading this and you are not me, then beware! There will be raw and unadulterated bits of my soul in here and rather than be offended by them, perhaps you could feel honoured that you are one of the few people who gets to know the real spark that conceived me, that is me, that allows me to live and breath in this rather pudgy human form.
An Epiphany and some Good Timing
I had an epiphany a month or so ago (sometime just after my last post) and I realized that even though it seemed like I hadn't been doing very much, I actually had - and an awful lot of it was for other people. So I took a little time out, said 'no' a bit, had a few long hot baths, cleaned out a cupboard or two (or seven) and took stock of life. And you know what, I really feel better for it. My routine didn't change too much. The regular stuff went on each day, I just took away some of the restrictions I placed on myself about what I should be doing at any one time and why.
I realised that I have given the last six and a half years of my life almost wholly to other people (mostly little people) and it really was okay to do a couple of things for myself, even if they didn't seem like things that would 'get me ahead', 'raise my profile' or 'advance my (non-existent) career'. Although as an adult I logically know that houses take a long time to renovate, books take a long time to write and children take their whole lives to learn, I think I really believed that if I didn't get started on all of those things immediately I got the chance then they wouldn't possibly ever come to fruition.
I do firmly believe there is a time for everything and if something 'just doesn't feel right' then it probably isn't. 'Giving myself a break', in every sense of the word, has really allowed me to put things into perspective and made me appreciate that I do understand the important things in life and among other things, I am important, and when the time is right those other things will become priorities.
Unfortunately I am yet to find anyone who thinks finding balance in family life is easy, but if they are out there somewhere I'd be happy to share a drink and a good long natter with them if they have time (which of course they would, wouldn't they??).
I realised that I have given the last six and a half years of my life almost wholly to other people (mostly little people) and it really was okay to do a couple of things for myself, even if they didn't seem like things that would 'get me ahead', 'raise my profile' or 'advance my (non-existent) career'. Although as an adult I logically know that houses take a long time to renovate, books take a long time to write and children take their whole lives to learn, I think I really believed that if I didn't get started on all of those things immediately I got the chance then they wouldn't possibly ever come to fruition.
I do firmly believe there is a time for everything and if something 'just doesn't feel right' then it probably isn't. 'Giving myself a break', in every sense of the word, has really allowed me to put things into perspective and made me appreciate that I do understand the important things in life and among other things, I am important, and when the time is right those other things will become priorities.
Unfortunately I am yet to find anyone who thinks finding balance in family life is easy, but if they are out there somewhere I'd be happy to share a drink and a good long natter with them if they have time (which of course they would, wouldn't they??).
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I hear you!...
ReplyDeleteI have a 6, a 5 and 1 year old. and was feeling a bit lost.
Then I did the best thing I could have done for myself, which is starting the Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training. 6 days away from my kids(and I'm a single Mum...lots of organising!)
I was scared and was I being fair to my kids, etc....?
WELL, it was the best thing ever!
I really needed to make time for myself - every day, LOVE myself as much as others!
So now I do 1h Yoga every day(yes, it IS possible, what are your priorities?...and yes, sometimes there are exceptions)
I have Homework for my course, we have to do Specific Kriyas(Sets of postures) for 40 days in a row(to create a habit).
There's also a Meditation for a Neutral Mind, a Calm Heart etc, and it works!
And wow, my Energy levels are higher than ever, I'm starting up my own little business and I am standing in my own power again!
Something I have learned from this Kundalini Yoga experience: EVERY person on the planet has the Birthright to be Happy!
By committing to yourself(and in my case my yoga practise), you make your life better AND by you being happier it gets even better for those around you!
May the Longtime Sun shine upon you, all Love surround you, and the pure Light within you guide your way on...
Sat Nam, Cat and the Crazies
If anyone puts their hand up with the answer to the whole balance thing... please pass on my email address to them Claudy!!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, your yoga sounds fantastic. Well done on managing to organise the million things you must have needed to be away from your family for that long! I can only imagine. It's funny how we can know in our heart of hearts that it must be possible to rearrange our priorities, yet just fail to for such a long time *sigh*.
ReplyDeleteand Squigglemum, you'll be the next in line for a balancing tune-up when I find the right mechanic :)
Well I too took time out to realize (and put myself first) this past weekend at the connect2mums conference. I had been hiding myself and what I had been trying to achieve for the past 1 1/2. This break in my life has helped me put everything into perspective. I now know what I need to do and my family will always be there for me too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudette for your great ideas that have sparked a way forward.
Shelly (the mad cup lady)