Me Time

Okay, put up your hand if you can relate to this. You’ve got a free morning and you’re all set to write (or substitute anything else that you want to do for yourself). The phone rings and your child has forgotten something they desperately need for school (or substitute your mother wanting to talk, the dog needing a walk, whatever). And just like that, the time you thought was yours and yours alone is suddenly gone.

Often circumstances beyond our control make it difficult to carve out time for ourselves. I’ve written here about the reno my husband and I have undertaken on our kitchen this spring, a renovation that has since crept into our bathroom and now the living room. Tradespeople have been traipsing in and out of our house on a regular basis. We’ve found the whole thing stressful and time consuming, and at times overwhelming.

It's tough to concentrate on writing with so much going on. Now that we’re near the finish line on the renovations – just the painting left to do - I think I need to create some time for myself. Time for rest and recreation, and time to refill the creative well. Some me time.

My husband takes time for himself on the golf course. He loves the game and plays several times a week in the spring and summer. He’s much better at taking time for himself to do something fun than I am. I love writing and it's often fun, but it’s also work. What I need is to take the time to do something completely different.

So I need some fun ideas. Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. Go to the zoo to see the polar bears. (love the polar bears!)

2. See the Picasso exhibit that just opened at the art gallery.

3. Shopping. I’m not a huge shopper, but a new outlet mall just opened and I could use a new pair of sandals for the summer.

4. Visiting with friends.

5. Reading, of course!

What are your ideas of fun things to do for relaxation? Feel free to give me some suggestions!

Comments

  1. Those all sound like great ideas. Nan & I have three-hour lunches that tend to help a lot, and I decompress in the car because everywhere I go is at least a little distance. Enjoy your me time, Jana!

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    1. You guys are so lucky to have each other close by. Wish I was near you so I could join you for one of those 3 hour lunches!

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  2. Yup, Liz and my long lunches are the perfect way to decompress. I get "me" time more than most because I'm in an empty nest, but sometimes it needs to be something different than just being alone--maybe a walk along the lake or a trip into town for nothing at all or sitting on the dock watching the water.

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    1. Water is very relaxing. Getting out to the lake - that's something I need to add to my fun list.

      I find that meeting up with writer friends for a weekend retreat, or even just an afternoon, is always fun. It's great to connect with people who get what you're doing.

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  3. I like to read...today, RadioMan and I headed to a casino about an hour away and we had so much fun (it helps that we won!). The best part was just hanging out with him, wandering the downtown area, and having lunch.

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    1. Just hanging out with my sweetie is always fun. Hadn't thought about the casino, but that's a fun way to spend a few hours as well. We have a couple of casinos in my city and they both have good restaurants. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  4. All great ideas, Jana. i know what you mean about men being better about taking time for themselves. My husband is also a golfer...and that's five hours of me time. I like going for a walk with a friend or meeting the gals for lunch. Good luck carving out your me time.

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    1. You're so right. Men don't seem to have as much trouble taking time for themselves. My husband does it all summer! Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Take yourself to the spa! Or get a massage. Take a hike - in a good way. Explore something in your own home city that you've always wanted to check out but have never taken the time to explore. Have fun enjoying a little me time of your own.

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  6. Great ideas, Karyn! Actually we have an amazing Scandinavian spa here that I've been to once, but would love to go to again. Massage, yes! It's one of those things I mean to do, and then forget about. You're right about exploring on my own. I don't need my hubby to come along. Sometimes we like to do different things.

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