We all know that 2020 was a very tumulutous year filled with twists and turns, sadness, fear, confusion, and everything else that covid has brought into our lives. While there has been a lot of negative emotions involved this past year, I also know that we learned what really is important and what we value, our family and our friends. Our families have bonded over meals around the dinner table, we have learned the importance of being a family and supporting each other. Together we have found ways to navigate through rough times. We have worn many hats during this past year, even ones we never ever thought we would wear. For all the parents that are playing the role of teacher, my heart goes out to you. You have given your all to your entire family. We learned that we would do anything in our power to protect our family. I am sure that there have been many rough spots as we learn to coexist 24/7 many days in a row.
Along with our stronger family relationships, we have also gained a new appreciatiaton for our friends. What would we do without the supportive trusting friends we have. To have support during the rough times but also to have someone to share the joyful times as well. Our friends help the days seem a bit less stressful and bring us happiness when we really could use it. We support each other, we offer suggestions for difficult times, they help us brainstorm ideas and ways to make life seem more "normal" if there is such a thing, While we can't spend physical time together with them with all the social distancing protocols in place, they are still such an integral and important part of our life. We find ways to get together with our friends whether it is talking to friends on the phone, meeting at a park to go on a walk, sitting in the garage celebrating holidays, birthdays, etc. We find ways to nuture these relationships.
The one thing that as parents we may forget is the importance of finding time for YOU. I can't stress this enough. I know from many of my friends that we are running ragged to make sure that our familes are ok, that the kids are doing good, we are organizing schedules, keeping their clothes clean, making sure you are putting healthy food on the table, worrying about the deeper things that we as parents do such as finances, health of our family members, worries about the relationships the kids are losing as they have had to stay at home, and this doesn't even scrape the surface of what we deal with on a daily basis. So, I challenge each and every one of you to set out a half hour or an hour of time each day for YOU time. Give it a name if you must. Let your family know that during this time they are to go to the other parent if they need help. Use this time as you want. If it is taking a quiet bath, reading a book, mediating, praying, taking a walk, doing yoga, exercising, going to your favorite store, calling or meeting up with a friend, doing a craft, listening to music. or anything else that you would call "YOU" time. I broke the news to my husband today that I was going to take time each day for myself and he had a hard time believing it because he doesn't think I really will follow through, but I will. We each deserve this important time. In my planner I will schedule this time each and decide what I will be doing during this time. I am trying to think of a creative title for it so it seems more real. Maybe mom's moment, Jodi's Peace, or whatever it becomes. I will let you know how it goes and I hope that you too can pencil in YOU into your daily routine. You deserve it. Your family will benefit too.
You can’t take care of anyone else unless you first take care of yourself.”
~ Michael Hyatt
