Today I had a scheduled dentist appointment for a cleaning. I don’t usually look forward to trips to the dentist but today it was looking like a reprieve from the worst October on record. The kind of month that you survive but most certainly do not thrive.
In addition to being over scheduled, my grandmother died. Attending the funeral of a loved one is always reflective of one’s own mortality. Her death came at a pivotal point for me… I was drowning in the everyday duties of schooling, cleaning, volunteering, coaching… there was nothing left. My prayer life was in shambles and I missed being outdoors during my favorite month of the year.
After the funeral, my mind was racing about life and the brief time that we have here on earth and how I was stewarding this gift of time that God has given me. The past month was most certainly not one that I wanted to repeat, but what about the rest? How was I truly spending my time? How can I change this incredible demand of being a stay-at-home mother and educator to a situation where I could thrive?
First things first. Remember how the flight attendants tell us that we need to secure our own oxygen masks before assisting others? HOW TRUE. To be a successful in our Faith, as a wife, a mother, and an educator we must first make sure we are taking care of ourselves.
It seems simple, doesn’t it? We must guard our time for not only the things and people in our lives that we deem important, but also for ourselves. And we must have that same guarded mentality when another fun obligation arises for us to decide if we will participate or abstain.
So, today I challenge you to look at your life and ask yourself how you are spending your time?
- Does your home school look like what you thought it would?
- Are you happy with the way you run your days?
- Are you rested, full of faith, and able to love those around you with your best self?
If the answer is no to any of the above, please take some time immediately to reevaluate your priorities and make YOU at the top of the list. The rest will fall into place. If you need some tried and true tips on how to get it all done see Martina’s tips in her blog post, 19 Shockingly Simple Ways To Live your Crazy Catholic Life. (I will be taking some action on several of these!)
For myself, I find that praying, being outdoors, reading, or crafting are medicinal for my soul. Also making time for a long shower, having my makeup done and jewelry on have a huge influence on my view of self for the day. I am going to use my Catholic Through the Year Planner (available now!) and schedule ‘my time’ time in first and be sure that I am giving my best self to our family and to all who I meet.
Much love sisters in Christ! Pray for me… I’ll be praying for you!
For the Homeschooling Mothers- How do you take care of yourself?
What are your favorite things to do to unwind and re-charge your batteries?
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