I know a lot of mothers (especially single mothers) would prefer to just work through the holidays versus the thought of rangling the kids alone and not having anyone ‘special’ to spend the days with (and to make ends meet). I admit over the many years I have had those thoughts and have done this myself. But it’s with having done the hard yards, worked through, tirelessly, that you come to realise … it’s really not worth it. And the importance of time off begins to make sense.
I decided a while ago that at the end of every year (over the Christmas period) I would take any least 3 weeks off. It is my right and my duty to myself to do this. No longer will I ever just work through. And I find that it takes me an entire week just to come down from being in the ‘work’ mindset and allow myself to relax back into my own rhythm.
We all need the space and freedom to reboot our minds away from the demands and deadlines of work. Personally, taking that space I feel that I get a piece of me back. I give so much throughout the year and it is so incredible draining for me to keep going and going that I’d probably go crazy if I didn’t know that the break was coming at the end of each year. And it gives me a chance to reflect on what has been and what I want for the coming year for myself and my daughter. She is going on fifteen this year and it feels a bit like her childhood is literally disappearing right in front of me. So its a really good chance to spend quality time with her and give her my full attention while she is still young enough and wants to be around her ole mum.
Also for most of the year I don’t really get to see much of my family. You know, everyone is working and has a family of their own to take care of. So, it was nice to actually spend some time with them and bond again. Oh …. and catch up with some overseas relatives. That was great …. and left a trip to England in the pipeline. Yippee!!!
So if your wondering what a single mum and her daughter does for weeks on end without having to go to work …. well ….
- I actually sat down and READ A BOOK!! (wonders will never cease). I picked out ‘The Rules of Magic’ by Alice Hoffman, which is the prequel to Practical Magic (also a movie). Yep … really enjoyed it! and demolished it in just over a day!
- Did the beautiful Bondi walk. What a treat that was! The sun was shining, blue skies as far as the eye could see, exercise and refreshing sea air. Oh it was such a delight!
- We went and stayed at my dads house for a few days and spent time with our relatives. It’s been so long! England we are coming for you!!
- Definitely a little bit of shopping was in order, which included Vietnamese and possible a donut 😉
- Movie nights and popcorn where we snuggled on the sofa.
- Even the odd trip to the Cinema to catch a movie. Popcorn all round!!
- There was ten pin bowling and lunches.
- Days spend doing puzzles ….. all day in our pajamas. Oh the glory!!!
- And a much enjoyed body massage …
Just so many magical moments spent together. It was such a wonderful time. And then there was the chance to prepare for back to school, which was a load off just to be able to organise it in my own time. Phew!
It shows for me, the importance of time off is what gives you time back. The feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment that you have given yourself a gift of ‘you time’. You are important and without you, it doesn’t all come together. Remember that.
So make sure you appreciate the importance of time off for yourself. You’re going to be so glad you did and then it will become a habit … a really good habit … to put yourself first, giving you the strength to take care of those beautiful little souls you created.
Well I hope this encourages you to take some time off for yourself and really value and appreciate that you deserve a break for all that you do. We often underestimate how much energy it takes to be a mum, let alone a single mum. So give yourself a pat on the back, your doing fantastic! And give yourself some well deserved time off!!!
Big hugs,
Justustwo xox