Skip to main content

I took some time for me

Yesterday, I took 90 minutes after work, to walk 5km with 2 colleagues. (They've been run/walk-ing for months now and I've joined them once before, but I had to leave after 1 measly loop around the Common to do the pick up.)

Yesterday, I stayed right until the end and drove home in the dusk of evening exercise endorphins - and a little dizzy with the excitement of my time well spent.

I arrived home to what looked like a scene from The Brady Bunch. Kids sitting in their respective seats around the dinner table, finishing off their last spoonfuls before tackling the cutting, pasting and home narration projects. Even Baby sat contently in her feeding chair without the need for (seemingly compulsory - except for today -) restraint.

We exchanged quick cuddles and greetings before I hit the shower. The left overs menu had been depleted but it didn't matter too much because I was still high on love and fresh air.

It felt foreign.
It felt risky.
But it felt good!

Today I was sent this article by Devi Govender, Carte Blanche presenter, journalist, Mum and wife.

I read it as closely as my tired eyes would allow because I wanted to check whether it was prompting weary woman of the world to burn the broom and fly to France or simply, look after ourselves so that we are able to look after others - as I found it to say.

I'll share the article with my circle of friends - mostly made up of exhausted moms who have high heeled hopes for everyone else but only kitten heel compromises for themselves. And they'll second guess the suggestion, just as I do;

She's still nursing. There's no extra cash. I don't have a sitter. Maybe next time. What if it doesn't work out. They don't like it that way. Who cares.

Who else is going to care?

I'm starting to see the value in investing in yourself. Even if, initially, it only takes the focus off your own frenzy for a few minutes. It's worth it. It's doable. You will see what lies just beyond your situation and be welcomed to a world of experiences that offer opportunity, grace, perspective, growth and peace. All of which will refuel you as you continue on your own journey.







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The week that has been...

"Life as we see it", right? My time so far at the cycle tour office is reminding me of just how demanding life in this age can be - a time seeking instant solution and gratification: We want it now! We won't wait! This is what makes a relaxing, easy going activity seem so rewarding! We've always been fortunate enough to cook with pleasure - obviously more for mine! And since returning from BA, we've also found great enjoyment from leisurely strolls in the neighbourhood or at Sea Point promenade. Take time for this! Here's what we've been a part of this past week: We were encouraged to see a group of students from Bishops come out (even in the rain) and join with the FBC team in painting a mural on the school's new diningroom and kitchen wall. For news and updates visit: http://www.fbcschool.org.za/ We joined over 15 000 walkers in a quest to feed the hungry children in the Western Cape, by participaing in the Blisters for Bread walk on Sunday. We tackl...

Week 22

In no apparent order, some of the highlights of the last week have been: Carolling around a log fire with a Yankee Swap, cookies, coffee and new friends Last Friday evening we set off for somewhere near Norwich for our Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) Christmas party. As visitors to the church, there's already an element of insecurity...now to be heading into someone's home, as Dear Husband would say, "socially awkward levels were at an all time high" - Was the gifts we brought to swap suitable? What was a Yankee Swap anyways? Could you bring something besides sugar cookies to share? Do you have to take off your shoes at the front door? Are you allowed to park people in when the alternative is further up an un-lit, ice covered hill? There were so many unknowns! But once I saw the wood burning in the fireplace I relaxed a lot . Yankee swap was fun! DH was no. 2 to pick a gift, and landed a torch  umm...flashlight, as the locals call it , and it looked as though h...

The Great Update

If you've stuck around, ever hopeful of a new blog post, I'm here to reward (?) your long-suffering. Read on... If you'd prefer the abridged version here it is: The last post before today was published in March 2020. Today is August 2021.  It has been a minute. What a year it has been. Since our last post we've gone from school-at-home in March to June 2020, to summer holiday under our first "lock-down". School for the kids was back in-person for the entire academic year beginning August 2020 until June 2021 and their reward was ten weeks of summer holiday ... and now here we are, one week away from the 21/22 school year - masks and all. Somewhere in between that, I graduated from college and participated in our online graduation ceremony as the 2021 student speaker! ( Yes, I don't know either... ) Completing the two-year degree felt really good and I'll admit that a part of me misses it already...but don't tell anyone I said so.  It seems as thou...