Friday, November 14, 2008

A Little Time Alone

I have discovered that one of the most crucial elements to maintaining sanity as a wife and mother is time alone. Time away from all of the demands of a family and of just being a grown up in general. It doesn't have to be an expensive vacation or an extended trip.

I have recently been having my time alone on Friday afternoons. I am lucky enough to work at a place that allows us to condense our schedule on Friday and go home as soon as the last patient is treated. Because our patient load is a bit low right now, we have been getting out around noon every week.

This works out perfectly for me, because school doesn't let out until 3:30 and if I go get Gracie from the church any earlier than 3:15, she will still be taking a nap. So, I stop on the way home and get lunch at a real restaurant. I've been on a Johnny Carinos kick recently, but I go different places. I've never been one of those people who are uncomfortable eating in a restaurant alone, or going solo to a movie. I just pull out my iPhone, open up the eReader application, and read while I'm eating. I actually prefer to have a real book it my hands, but it's nice to always have a book with me.

It's so relaxing having someone else cook exactly what I want and bring it out to me. I don't have to do word searches and mazes with a stubby little crayon, and I don't have to leave my half eaten lunch to take anyone to the bathroom. I don't have to hide the condiments and I don't have to say "Shhh" and "Inside voices!" between every sentence. I just sit and read while I enjoy some quiet time alone. (Another bonus is that reading at the table during family meals is a no no, so it's nice to be able to do it when I'm alone.)

It's one of my favorite things about the whole week.

It's just one hour, but oh what it does for my soul! I think we all need to step back and take a few minutes to regroup each week. It doesn't even have to mean leaving the house. It could be a long bubble bath with no interruptions. It could mean lingering over a big cup of coffee outside on the deck with a good book. Whatever works for you and your situation. Just do it. You will not regret it, and your family will (eventually) appreciate it.

11 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

Mmmmmmsounds wonderful. Enjoy! God is good!

Mocha with Linda said...

Good for you! I wish I could join you. Except then it wouldn't be your time alone, would it?! LOL

Have a great afternoon!

Leah said...

I couldn't agree with you more!! In fact, I'm holed up in the office with a big cup of Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee, reading to my heart's content. Being alone for any length of time when you homeschool isn't easy, but is getting easier the older the kids get. =)

Have a great weekend!

Jill said...

Thanks for the reminder...sometimes I envy my husbands long hour drive home just for some alone time, but I do appreciate how he is ready to go once he walks in...and he always let me have some alone time when i ask for it....good ideas. thanks again.

Karen said...

I couldn't agree more. Time alone is so important. It fills me up so that I have something to give!

Heather C said...

Amen! I crave those times when I can have the house to myself and just relax. I feel the same way about women's retreats. When I am tempted to feel guilty for abandoning my family for a couple of days, I remember how refreshed and in love with my role as a Mom I am when I return, and I realize that we all benefit from my time away. God is so good!

Crystal said...

That sounds so nice!! I'm at a season in my life right now where alone time consists of a nice, long, hot shower! And I love every minute! A nursing baby & a toddler tornado doesn't leave much time for 'alone'! A good shower does the trick for me these days though!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

You are so right about this!

Rachel said...

Nothing like a good read and good food!

Alana said...

Working on catching up on my blog reading. I'm so glad you are doing the Give Thanks Challenge. It is one of my favorite bloggy things to do ;-)

So glad you are enjoying your alone. I'm like you, don't mind a bit dining or watching a movie alone!

Buffi Young said...

OH....I look forward to time alone!!! All my kids will be in school next year and I'm very much looking forward to it!! :) Only a few more months to go!!!! I think your idea is great! I used to feel sorry if i saw anyone by themselves out. (this was before I had kids). NOW....it doesn't bother me to be by myself at all!!! have a great day!