Okay, be honest now, when was the last time you indulged in some YOU time? I've realized that all my time is filled with stuff. Good stuff, but stuff all the same.
I don't know if it's my age or if it's just the latest stress in my life that has me feeling as if I need to indulge in some me time more often. Like anything else though, I need to pencil it in around all the other things that tug at my attention. I think it's one of those strange things that men don't understand. Sorry guys, but that's how I feel.
Let me be clear here though. I have a good life. I'm happy. Me time isn't about needing something that I'm not getting. It's about finding a little quiet break. Space to be...to just be. I don't need to go to a spa or buy expensive jewelery. I just need some time where there's nothing pressing against my personal bubble. Sometimes it's just a hot bubble bath and a good book. Half an hour alone. Someone else answering the phone. Not breaking up an argument between the girls. No finding a particular spatula for my husband. Just a quiet, relaxing moment to unwind.
But who does that anymore?! When do we ever find the time to really put our foot down and say, "I need some ME time!" And that's really what it takes. We have to be an enforcer or it'll never happen.
Tell me, do you take time to destress or are you like me where you want to take th time, but you never quite get around to it. To no fault of anyone else's you simply aren't a very good enforcer when it comes to YOU. We'll fight tooth and nail for our kids, our spouse, our parents, but when it comes to fighting for a mere half hour of me time we shrug our shoulders and figure it's not worth the battle.
Well, I'm going to start changing that. I admit, there will be times I'll fail. I probably won't be vigilant about it. But at 42 yrs. old, I need and deserve me time. You know?
15 comments:
Me time? Umm...what's that? LOL. I know what you're talking about, Anne. Even on those 'just hanging around the house' days someone wants SOMETHING. I often think that ME time works better when you are completely away from home and the phone and everything else. Like you, I don't need much in the way of frills, just a few moments of peace.
I agree! It's so hard to have that me time. As mother's we're so worried about everyone else we forget about ourselves. You know what I'm learning though, we're better for everyone else when we take our me time as well. Indulging a bit helps entergize us to give more to those around us. Or at least to do it with a smile because we're not thinking, "I just want to be by myself for a little while". I'm with you and Reg. I'm NOT a fancy person. Don't need expensive spas, clothes, jewlery. I like to go to barnes and noble with my lap top and read or write for a couple hours. That's my favorite me time activity.
Another problem is even when I'm home alone I'm doing stuff. I figure it's a good time to do housecleaning or catch up on emails or work.
Good advice. I think I'll indulge myself in some me time.
Regina--I think I need to borrow my daughter's iPod and headphones. Then I can just tune the world out. LOL
Kelley--I've never gone to the bookstore to write. I need to do that!
N.J.--I'm going to TRY to do this tonight. I'm hoping I can block off half an hour! LOL
My favorite indulgence is curling up with a good book, whether it's under a pile of cozy blankets in the dead of winter or out on my front porch in my rocker sipping a glass of lemonade in the heat of summer. Nothing takes me away from this world and all of its stresses like a good story. And if I have the time to read cover to cover all in one sitting...all the better. What a treat.
I had a very hard time finding any me time when my boys were younger, but now that they're all grown, my me time is my 5-day a week morning workout and free time to spend reading great books. I've made a huge dent in my TBR pile, which just continues to grow. Since I work at home and enjoy what I do, I have to make a huge effort to seperate work time from me time.
Anne - It must be our age. Lately (so far this year about twice a month) I have been lighting candles, pouring myself a glass of wine, grabbing my latest read, and bringing it all together in a hot bubble bath.
Right before I lock myself in I yell, "Don't bother me unless you're Orlando Bloom." LOL - That's my code for "Do not disturb."
Do not feel guilty about needing time alone. Remember, an hour here and there won't bring down the house.
People pay hundreds of dollars a month to sit on a couch in someone's office to find their de-stress time. . . Just draw a hot bath and lock the door.
:)
G.
For the last week, I've read a book every night. Not part of a book... but the entire book. That's my me time. And I needed it.
Reading does it for me. That and a cup of PG Tips.
Me time??????????????????
Not lately. LOL
Debra--I agree, but boy lately I haven't been able to find a good book! I'm in a reading slump. Although I just got an alert saying that Lora Leigh's "Maverick" is available for purchase. Woot!!
Susan--I write during the day, during the week. So I have a lot of alone time, but it's just not the same as having time to actually pamper oneself, is it? The good news is, I did take some 'me' time last night. I took a long hot shower, then took extra time with my body lotion and even exfoliated. It's like...wow! I feel energized today! :)
Anny--Good for you! Man, I remember the days when the girls were really little. I'd stay up all night reading, actually watch the sun come up. LOL I miss those days. These days I'm too addicted to sleep for that. LOL
Mary--PG Tips? Do tell!
Connie--YOU have to take it, no one will give it to you. I'm learning that the hard way! LOL
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