Reflections of a Work at Home Mom #Vol. 11

Recognizing when you need a break from your daily routines and activities is half the way to better mental health.

Sunday, May 1st

I’ve taken a short break from journaling. It really felt good to have some time away from writing and recharging my batteries.?

Luckily, we’ve been on holiday again this weekend so more time to truly relax and enjoy. Today’s reserved for some barbecue and chilling in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

It’s just the right thing we need after having the first time out without kids since…ever! Yay, mom and dad!?

Monday, May 2nd

It feels weird to sleep in on a Monday. Weirdly refreshing. Reminds me of my college days when I used to have all my workdays and weekends mixed up.?

Kids are still ill and at home with us, just like the entire last week but we’ve somehow managed to keep our sanity. Let’s hope it stays that way.?

I’m choosing to take a break from all the cooking as well. I’m letting the grandparents feed us all today. It feels relieving to not have it all under control for a change!?

ps. I might get used to the 4-day workweek even before my company introduces it (if it ever does).?

Tuesday, May 3rd

I’ve planned to read a lot during the holidays but failed. I knew that if I planned on something, I wouldn’t be able to follow up on it.?

It’s still hard to find the time to do what I want to do – but much easier than before. I used to feel guilty for wanting some time for myself and time to spend alone with M. And from the perspective I have now – it was completely wrong.?

And I’m not talking about leaving your kids at their grandparents’ house and going to parties or the like.

I’m talking about being able to take a shower without someone yelling “MOM ARE YOU DONE YET?” on the other side of the door.?

Or finally finishing the book that you’ve been moving from the shelf to the table and back to the shelf for months.?

Or simply going out for a stroll and not buy some groceries, go pick meds, or ________ (fill in the errand).

The more time we spend with kids, the less creative and patient we become. This builds up frustration and dissatisfaction – and most definitely puts a strain on the relationship we have with our kids. When we spend so much time together, we all get bored and start acting strangely because of it.?

Once, Big O told me that she was bored with me – I honestly didn’t know what to say to her.

Oh well, for the record, I sometimes get bored, too.?

Wednesday, May 4th

Big O is back to school today – hoping everything goes smoothly. She says she’s been missing her teachers and friends, so that’s a good sign.?

Poor Little O, on the other hand, is still ill, I fear it’s even worse than before. She's been really hard to handle… I just hope it's a phase (we always do this when a kid is acting differently but what if that's the way they are?). If it isn't… can't wait for her to hit puberty!?

We're also back to work and it feels good! It's a good sign when you're happy to get back to work, right??

Thursday, May 5th

Things have been so exciting for me at work lately, I've been truly enjoying the diverse set of activities.?

It feels encouraging and stimulating to do something I've never done before and be good at it.?It's a great step outside my tiny comfort zone, and to be honest, a very important one. I'm ready for more!

Friday, May 6th

Friday never came sooner than this week. And it was very much needed! After two long weekends, it's good to have a shorter workweek than usual. We might adapt quicker and easier.

The kids are still sick (oh lord when it will be all over) but at least it's Friday. Let’s get this party started. I mean, let’s get some sleep.?

Saturday, May 7th

I've let myself be spontaneous today. It's something I rarely do or enjoy (the control addict in me isn't amused) — but today it felt like a refreshing choice.?

We took the kids to the park unexpectedly and Big O got an unplanned (but very much needed) haircut.?

What's best is that I managed to connect and project my parents' laptop to their TV so they could watch tennis — all that without using cables! Aaaah, a great, rewarding feeling.?

Yours truly,?

Work at Home Mom