Taking care of myself

Homeschooling is a job. Like many others. Motherhood is too--without breaks and a lot of responsibility. Often, I feel overwhelmed. Lately it has occurred to me that I won't really know if we are doing well until the time comes to see if the kids are competent adults and then it will be too late for any do-overs. I think this is probably the case for all parents. I have been trying, lately, to take better care of myself and foster a few things that are mine so I have a better measurement of my life than just whether or not my children are successful. I think this is a really important part of staying sane.

So, I started running a year ago. I am terrible at it and after a year, I still cant run farther than a couple of miles at a stretch but those 20 to 30 minutes are MINE. I even signed up for a 5k and my family will be there cheering me as I come in last. We also signed up for a Y membership. It is good for the kids but I go often as well and don't feel guilty about putting my precious little ones in the day care there. (I have always hated the word "day care" but it amounts to under 5 hours a week and I can take some yoga classes or swim laps) It is a fair trade I think.

During my runs, I find clarity and I come back with renewed interest in what my children are doing and added energy to implement new ideas.

Other things I like to do for me are:

Read--Loved the Hunger Games trilogy, and I glean a lot from books like "Education of the Heart" and "Bonds that Make Us Free"

Practice piano: I volunteered to embarrass myself once a month as I play the organ in church. So practicing is essential.

Sleep: I feel my sleep is more important than many TV shows, and more important than a new checklist or checking my Facebook page.

Friends: I reserve a few hours a week in the afternoons that I can freely talk to family and friends on the phone and I keep in touch. Sometimes, I go out with a few girlfriends. I regularly schedule dates with my husband.

While these practices feed me and strengthen me for my days with my children and all the other things I have going on in my life, they also set an example of healthy living for my children.