Mama Needs a Refill

My husband knew what he was getting into when he married me. He was marrying a gal who couldn’t sit still, would rather be in motion and loved to plan things.  Just as he was aware, I was cognizant of what I was getting into on my end.  I chose to spend my days with a homebody, a man whose idea of distressing means channel surfing on the couch and who prefers to not plan ahead.  One thing at a time for him, the more the merrier for me.  Bring it, I like to say.

Fast forward to children. And bring it, it did.

Last week I wanted to do it all in one day.  A trip to the zoo, school shoe shopping.  Too me these two things are nothin’, a walk in the park, (oh throw that in too), I thought there was room for even more activity, like cleaning out the kids’ bedroom closet, swimming the dog and hey, let’s solve World Hunger and the homeless situation in the U.S. while we are at it.

Good thing I stopped with caged animals and new shoes.  That was plenty – actually too much.  At dinner that night when the bickering started it was clear not only was I tired but so were my two children.  All that walking, observing, going, doing had worn us all out.  I left no room in the day for just sitting and being.

Just sitting and being with no agenda.  I used to get hives just thinking the thought.  The very idea left me shaking in my boots, itchy, highly uncomfortable.

I am learning that this very thing that made me vexed and irritated was what I needed most.  When I don’t leave room for nothing and I fill it all up with busyness, guess what happens? Yep, that dang cup gets emptied fast. 

Before you feel overwhelmed try it…try nothing and see how that fills your cup.

If you are like me you may already be sweating and find this to be a challenge, so just try nothing for a few minutes.  See what happens.  Then try it again.  If you are like my husband you are thrilled at this opportunity to do nothing.  Just sit, no remote no list in hand. Just be.

Does it rejuvenate? You may not see the results immediately but the next time kid chaos comes your way you may be more ready to have them bring it on, because you did nothing earlier.