being smart with your fun

I feel like kids need fun, new opportunities, and options. With that also needs to come calm, downtime, and the ability to get bored. I cannot stand the, "I'm bored!", because we took a pause to refresh and relax. We definitely have a good time in this house. Winter break has been full of family, fun, and lots of new things. We embraced opportunites as they came and managed downtime in between so as not to burn out. 

On Friday, my little person had plans change. She ended up creating a new plan and enjoyed it! Who knew that you can roll with it and try new things AND enjoy?! (It's almost like I know what I am doing as a parent! 😂). Saturday it was the same. When your bestie is sick, you either chill at home or roll with new plans. She went out with a new friend and enjoyed every second. 

Today is also new for us. I went in to see what she was going to do today. She informed me she was taking an all day, chill out, at-home spa day and she did NOT want to do a thing. She will only be leaving her room for food. I said OK and left her. I only wish I was that assertive and aware of my own mental health, happiness and needs when I was younger (sigh). 

With winter comes wisdom. We know fun is fun! We know downtime isn't always fun, but it's essential. I love having a happy mix. I love that she loves the happy mix. What I really love most of all??? We are able to love and take care of each other so that we start this new year happy AND rested.

figuring out how to do it all

Every once in awhile, my cup starts to empty. It's okay. It's expected. Most days I know when to take a step back or when to soldier on. Some days, I forget and go full force. This leads to mental chaos and some negative repercussions. 

This last week has been A WEEK. I was overwhelmed and feeling pulled and stretched in too many directions. I had a moment or two and may have turned off my phone indefinitely. I definitely had some afternoon wine (that is wine in a fancy glass drank before it is socially acceptable to do so!). It got better, though.

I have this perception of myself that I cannot falter, cannot lose it, cannot have a moment. I don't know why, but I do. I fully enforce a woman's right to be a bad ass, a lazy ass, or a crazy ass. Whatever works for you. I just don't always follow my own rules.

I saw this picture and realized it was a right place, right time thing. I needed to see this. It reminds me to take a deep breath and roll with it. Emails can wait. Texts can wait. If I need to sit for 5 minutes and deep breathe, it is okay. The world will not stop turning. People can carry on without me if needed.

The nice thing is that I decided to order takeout because I just didn't want to cook. I wanted to get takeout and chill out with my kid and play with slime. So I look like fun mom because we got subs and sodas. I got cool mom points because we had more time to play with slime. I was good mom because I was able to relax and enjoy something fun and stress relieving while spending some QT with my cutie and she was none the wiser.

Don't forget to keep your cups full during these stressful times! Do whatever you need to do. We will wait for you :)