Creating a Little ME Time
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28 NIV
I sagged my full weight against the dining room wall and slid to the floor in a dramatic display of frustration. Defeated by my seven-year-old son! My husband followed, extending a hand to help me to my feet. “Are you going to let that little pipsqueak steal your power?” He tried to hide the smile that curled his lips, but he didn’t succeed. He broke out laughing. I did too. Suddenly the entire episode seemed absurd. I got up, brushed off my wounded ego, and started again.
That scene occurred over fifty years ago but I remember it as though it happened yesterday. Why? Because I learned from it. My child had not defeated me. He was just being a kid in a cranky mood who wanted his way when he wanted it. What else is new? I had given up because I was tired, overworked, and stressed. Parenting in that moment felt like the biggest challenge of my life.
My son is grown now, as are my daughters who have children of their own, and I spend a lot of time with them. Even grandparenting can be taxing! Today I know what I didn’t know then and I put it into practice. I can now communicate a loving boundary when asked to take on more than I’m able. I say, “Maybe another time, Honey” or “I’m taking a little me time today, but tomorrow would work.”
And then I actually do something wonderful for myself such as taking a walk or spending a little time in my prayer garden where I sit and read or journal while enjoying the blooming roses. The scripture verse above reminds me that the Lord also wants us to take a break. Come to Him and he will give us rest. After spending some of my time in these pleasing ways, I have plenty of renewed energy for my loved ones.
I’m a much happier and well-rested ME! I hope you take care of your ME too. What’s you favorite way to do so?
Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you. — Katie Reed
www.reflectionsfromaredhead.com
I love this Mom and I love you too. I was a handful as a kid, that’s for sure. 🙂 Great quote at the end!
Thanks, Jimmy. You were also a handful of love and fun and you are even more of each today. I love you. 🥰
Wonderful topic. Yes kids and grandchildren can push you to the max. My three girls knew better than to ding me to death for something they wanted. I remember one of my daughters telling the other one to stop nagging me or it would never happen. hee… As for the grandchildren, I haven’t had that at luxury as they have always lived too far away. When they would visit it was John and I and the parents entertaining the kids. Usually an outing.
One can get at the end of their rope some days.
Thanks, Joan. Loved hearing your experience as a mom too. We love ’em no matter what.
Thank you so much Karen for your wonderful writing. Your writing inspires me to continue to take really good care of myself. I love to write out my feelings and listen for God’s direction in my journal. Soaking my feet in hot epsom salt water, sitting in my back yard and soaking up the sun, taking a walk and listening to the birds, painting, and creating cards. Most of all, I find I am the most centered when I get quiet and listen for God’s direction. I forgot to mention that I feel best when I get adequate sleep and eat three balanced meals every day. Also, when I plan my time and I’m not rushing. I am working at being consistent at all of these things and know it’s progress not perfection. Love you.
For sure, Sandy. Progress and not perfection. God’s direction keeps us centered. So grateful for that most of all.
Thank you, Karen, for another good one! Our daughter, Tanya was so independent and even tho she was barely walking she thought she could dress herself. We were getting ready for church and she was determined to get her dress on by herself and when we offered to help she would say,”NO, I can do it ‘myshelf’~smile It seems to make me laugh each time I think of it. One morning when she was getting her undershirt on (it was a cold winter morning and she was getting ready to play inside of course and no hurry so I just let her do it. First she put it on wrong side out, then backwards then she got it right! That little independent girl is now my care giver and I am so fortunate she is still independent ( but not in a bad way) and knows how to take good care of ‘me’! I am so proud of her. Love you, Margaret
What a beautiful daughter you have. You took good care of her and now she is taking good care of you. Perfect!!
Karen
Great minds think alike evidently but I just finished my blog and it’s theme is my kids and their fragility when young. I correlated it to God’s children. I often wonder what God thinks of us as we go through the different stages of life. Of course, He loves us and will never leave or forsake us, but as a parent, I can’t help but wonder about His thought sometimes as He watches all go through life.
Keep writing Karen.
Jim
PS: I hope I have the email thing fixed. LOL
If interested, this is my blog lindquistbooks.wordpress.com I should have it uploaded by 8:30 the 31st.
Thanks, Jim. We are thinking alike. I will check out your blog for sure.
Oh my goodness, Karen. I really love this. Every mother/grandmother can relate to your little pipsqueak moment. I also love that last sentence:
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” — Katie Reed
Thanks, Heidi. Yes, let’s keep giving the best of ourselves, not the leftovers.