If you’re anything like me, you feel your head is spinning like a hamster wheel. You know the one that squeaks all night and you get no rest? It can be exhausting. EXHAUSTING! It occurred to me while I was driving, by myself (which is a very rare occasion), this is an in between moment. The moments when there is silence and my mind can slow down.
Somehow, somewhere, you need a few in between moments to catch your breath everyday. Look for them where you least expect them. Notice and take hold of those moments, don’t let those slip away. Mom’s we need this. It will quiet our minds, help us to refocus, and be able to think about those things that get pushed to the back of our minds. Here are a few of the places I finds these moments:
- In the car when I have sleeping babies. I have been guilty of pulling into the garage and sitting in the car while they sleep for a few minutes.
- Another time is in the morning ( mostly weekends), I lay in the bed a little longer while the kids are in the living room hanging out. I also try to get my bible time in here.
- Hiding in a quiet place to nurse a baby. This is always a good excuse.
- In the shower.
- We take our older children to Wednesday night service (Awana, Youth Group), our younger one goes with her grandpa while we drop them off to church, and the baby is usually asleep. This is a great hour of free time by yourself or with your spouse. I know some of you would not leave your children at church, but we have a great program at the church they attend and we trust the people running the programs. Just an idea.
- Mothers Day Out is a great resource, if you can afford it. This way you can still a few precious hours to yourself.
- A program like the YMCA that offers child care with your membership. You can exercise or just get a shower while your children play, or like my older ones, swim and play basketball. They have fun and you get some quiet time. Most YMCA facilities offer financial assistance if you think you can’t afford this, you may be surprised at the discount you can get, you just have to ask.
- Summer programs offered by your children’s school or homeschool group. These are free or very cheap.
If you have some favorite places to find in between times please comment and let us know. If we can all come together and share our ideas we may find that we have more quiet time than we thought!
This is great! Such good thoughts!
Hannah Diane recently posted…Gifts I’m Giving This Year!
In the car with sleeping babies. This is the best “in-between” moment for me! I also have just sat a few minutes in a parking lot or after pulling in at home to squeeze out a few extra minutes to myself. Great post Alana!
I love ‘alone time’ in the car. Even longer trips - it really allows you to connect with yourself & process your thoughts.
Susan Mahlburg recently posted…Sephora Collection: Rose Mask
My girls are all grown up but I still find a way to have a busy mind and so I love your post because we all need to be reminded to Catch Our Breath. Quiet reflection in the car is a good one. When I’m working on the computer I click off email and facebook so I am not tempted to look at what just went “ding”
I don’t have children, so I definitely don’t need to catch my breath as often. I am always so in awe of how much work mothers put in everyday. I’m glad you’ve found your ways of getting a few moments of relaxation!
Erin recently posted…Winter Fashion: Coats
There were many times I sat in the car in the garage while my son was asleep in his car seat just to get a few moments of quiet
My commute to work is an hour each way, but honestly I love that time. Most times I don’t hit much traffic (I commute slightly after rush hour) so I can relax, listen to an audio book, and have time to think.
Amanda recently posted…[guest post] you are your surprise’s worst enemy
I love all your in-between ideas! I sit in carline at the school, often with a sleeping toddler, have a few kid free mornings when preschool is in session and like the quiet after everyone is in bed at night!
Michelle recently posted…Gross Gifts Boys Will Love
It’s true, these moments are necessary even if you’re not a mother
naima recently posted…Yoga at Your Desk
My kids are older now 6 and 7 and I work from home. so I get a lot of quiet time during the day while they are at school. I’m really happy to see them in the afternoon!
Caroline recently posted…10 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
I manage our schedule so that we aren’t overbooked and can get lots of quiet time together. My mama time is usually after bed time, or sometimes I will leave the kids with my husband on a weekend to get a little time alone.
Jessica Doll at Team Wiking recently posted…Week 46, Happy Birthday Aiden
These are some great ideas. I like to take a drive along the coast if the kids are sleeping, it clears my head.
Jen @ The Halfway Homemaker recently posted…Week 2 Check In
These are all great tidbits to help maintain one’s sanity.
Kimberly Bolden recently posted…Why Do We Not Mourn
I love those in between moments. Sometimes I like to sit in my car as well and just relax listening to uplifting music on the radio.:)
Aisha Leuthardt recently posted…#Dropthemask LYLS Thursday Link- Up!
This is so needed. What a great post. Sometimes we just need a minute and it is easy to forget.