When You're Alone...

For some of us, we're seldom by ourselves. We have accepted the responsibility of taking care our kids most of the time with occasional breaks in the action. As your kids get older, 'me time' will happen much more often. Regardless of how much time you've got to yourself, you need to take advantage of it.

This can be both enjoyable and miserable at the same time. I know that when I am suddenly alone there's an initial pang of sorrow. I get so used to being called on to help with the myriad activities of my kids that the vacuum left by their disappearance leaves a void. Thankfully, I have learned that this feeling quickly passes and I realize this time is a valuable space to recharge my batteries and believe it or not - HAVE FUN!

SPOIL YOURSELF (occasionally) - For me, that fun often comes in the form of making a meal that I wouldn't necessarily make for my kids. I'll go out and buy a nice juicy steak, saddle up with some fresh Brussel sprouts and concoct a luscious, over-indulgent meal that if made on a regular basis, would both bankrupt me and eventually kill me!

Believe it or not, these meals will become memorable events and guide posts for how one will be able to pay more attention to our own needs in the future - a future that will eventually arrive, trust me, it will!

SELF EXPRESSION - Another thing that I've come to enjoy when alone is this blog! You may notice that I've been contributing on a more regular basis as of late. This is a byproduct of my youngest (12 years) spending Saturdays with either her Mom or friends. Blogging allows me to reaffirm thoughts that I've had and share them with others who might be going through similar situations. Kind of like an exhibitionist's diary.

What you might be able to glean from this is that taking time to write down whatever is going on inside your head is an extremely powerful form of expression. Even if no one reads your words, simply expressing them in this form is very healthy. It's a kind of pressure valve that keeps one on an even keel.

If you're not a 'words' person, then get your sketch pad out or play your guitar...do something that expresses yourself and do it for yourself and no one else.

So let's see... indulging yourself with a fantastic meal, self-expression, what else is there? Oh, friends! I forgot all about them.

FRIENDS - Many of us are so involved with our day to day family adventures that we can loose touch with our friends. Making a point of getting together with them is one of the most important things you can do. Especially if one or more of them have been in a similar situation. Talking it out is incredibly healthy. And outside of that, just hanging out and having fun is crucial to a happy self.

I'm sure I've missed many things that we can enjoy when we're alone. The main idea, though, is to make sure you take full advantage of your time by yourself - you deserve it!