Getting Away for a Few Days
After a few days away last week with just my husband and myself, I am really struck by the impact of being a parent on our relationship and on our level of relaxation. Being responsible for little people’s lives is something I’ve gotten used to in my everyday life, but when it’s removed for a few days I felt the weight of it. I’m beyond grateful for all the help I have, from our long time and loving nanny to my parents, sister and brother-in-law who all made it possible for us to leave the kids for 4 nights. Sometimes I think that because I have all this help and resources, why would being a mom still be a weight on me? It’s because the buck stops with me. I’m choosing the caregivers, I’m organizing their lives, I’m the one making most of the choices, I'm the troubleshooter. If something were to happen, it would likely be related to a choice that I made. It’s like running a company with employees. If it’s your company and an employee messed up, it doesn’t matter if it was entirely the employee’s fault because the consequences are still going to affect your company. Becoming a parent is like having a program that is always running in the background.
My parents and my sister were pretty tired after spending 3 days with our kids. They loved it, but they were tired. My sister asked me how I managed to get motivated for a workout during nap time. Being responsible for precious little innocent beings is just a lot, no matter which way you slice it.
After getting to hit the pause button on my usual life for a few days, I'm feeling grateful. Grateful that I get to be a parent. Grateful that I have the support that gives me a break from parenting. Amazed at how much easier it is to walk around as a free adult with only your own hunger or tiredness to factor in.
Maybe what I’m trying to say is make sure you take a break from your everyday life. You forget what you’re carrying on a daily basis and when you can drop it for a bit, you’ll find some real compassion for yourself and all that you do. As Kris Jenner said, You’re doing amazing, sweetie.
How can you take a real break from your everyday life? Or schedule one for the future? Whether its days or just a few hours.
