On a vacation to TX a couple of years ago, I took a random tennis class with my college bestie. It was hard, but really fun! I’ve always remembered that and this year I’ve enjoyed being enrolled in classes through my city all summer. It’s been a great workout, fun meeting new people, and exciting learning a new sport from scratch! I am feeling a personal sense of satisfaction as I begin to improve. And when my instructors congratulate me and tell me how much better I’m doing than when I began, my spirit lifts and my mojo builds!
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Last week, while on vacation, I had some interesting conversations with girlfriends. What’s interesting is that the main theme of the conversations wasn’t new. So often, we women become the caretakers of EVERYONE around us, and as a result, we get so busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves.
Now, I don’t have children or a husband, but I have been a bit of a caretaker my whole life (with family, friends, and colleagues). I know that when I am incredibly busy and involved in other people’s lives that I begin to forget about my own needs. I’m CERTAIN that all women can relate to this.
I began to wonder why it is that we don’t do a better job of protecting our personal space or opportunities for personal growth. My friends tell me that they literally don’t have an hour to themselves all week, but I just don’t understand…especially when they graciously give their husbands time to grab a workout, golf on the weekends, or hang with their buddies.
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It seems to me that if we as women start to ask for just a little more time back to ourselves, our self-esteem will grow, and we’ll be happier, more well-rounded people in general…and isn’t that good for the whole family??? Is this something I just don’t understand because I don’t have a husband or children? Why should we feel guilty about reclaiming just a teeny bit of time for ourselves? In my experience, my 1.5 hour tennis class per week has been SO good for the soul and I wish I could share that feeling with more of my girlfriends!!!
Agree? Disagree? DISCUSS!
I agree. The time I have to myself gives me the opportunity to grow in so many areas of my life, and in turn, makes me a better daughter, sister, friend and wife. I also think that being “unplugged” is the most important factor in all of this. Over the weekend while I was in Denver, I was pretty much unplugged, spending time with some of our best friends, and just enjoying TIME. Love ya.
Hey Jen .. I’m close to your age, am a wife and have four (yes count them .. four) children. One of those kids is special needs .. so really I think she counts for 2. Anyway .. I couldn’t agree with you more. As single ladies (I was such into my 30′s as well), mothers, full time working, wives .. it’s a choice. We have to choose to make time for ourselves. And YES it is always time well spent. I struggle a little bit the the whole “me time” fad .. which for many translates to manicures, pedicures, spa visits .. whatever. Don’t get me wrong occassionally doing that stuff for yourself is awesome! BUT .. I find that the every day “me time” could be better spent improving ourselves. Like your tennis for instance. I am a runner. I took up running this year, so I’m still new to the sport. However, I grew up an athlete and have always considered myself one. I do make time to run. It’s important to me. And I’m a much happier mama, wifey .. Kerry .. when I have time for a quiet run. It comes with sacrifices as well. There are days that I have to do the treadmill and try and entertain my kids around me at the same time in order to keep up with my training. Something is better than nothing. But the days that I get to leave the kids with my husband and go for a run outdoors by myself or with a friend. It’s the BEST! And yes SO GOOD for the soul.
In short .. AGREE!!
I definitely agree!! I think we struggle with this because it feels so…selfish. Yet it’s not! Everyone needs to recharge, to simply take a breather and really make sure they still love who they are on their own. It’s hard to take the time for that, but I think it’s desperately needed.
Though caring for others is needed as well…it can become very easy to fall into only caring for yourself and forgetting the rest of the world. It’s all about finding that balance, which is different for everyone. lol
I’ve found that when I can really be okay simply hanging out with myself and starting to really love myself, that it helps me to care for others even more!
This is a really great post! I definitely think having some time to yourself is helpful in so many ways.