Saturday Morning Calm

I work from home and I'm a full-time mom of three. My two youngest go to daycare part-time so I can get some things done during the day. I've arranged my weeks (when it works out perfectly) so that I can get all done during the week: housework, business work, errands, etc. I run and rip Monday through Friday… dropping off people, picking them up, paying bills, getting groceries… In the house I clean and do the never-ending laundry (about 10 loads or so a week). So when this Saturday arrived I decided I wanted to have two cups of coffee in a row, sit and read, and just enjoy a calm (well, as calm as it can be with two toddlers) Saturday morning.

As usual the laundry isn't complete, but I just ignored it. I pulled out my O At Home magazine (the first one I've ever read), sat my current book on the table (Somethin' Extra by Patty Rice) and sipped at my mocha caramel flavored coffee.

Believe it or not I was able to finish reading the entire magazine – a small feat in and of itself. I was even inspired to write in my journal when I got to an article about dream homes: I wrote an extensive list about all the features I'd love to see in my dream home. I was able to do this with only a couple of interruptions to settle a toddler in a chair with a pen and paper; to get a second cup of coffee; to visit the restroom… Amazingly all while my teenager slept in after many late nights of homework and studying (she normally helps on Saturday mornings).

Oh, what a difference the beginning of this day has made. Instead of jumping up, rushing through breakfast and getting started right away on the remaining laundry, I was able to gather my thoughts, relax my mind and enjoy TWO cups of coffee. I feel liberated, centered, human and normal… hmmm? Is it really normal to have that type of time on a Saturday morning? Probably not. However, we all need it.

Whatever makes you happy. Whatever refuels your soul, spirit, attitude and mind; you must take the time to do it.

Next month, I go out of town on business for the first time in about four years (travel writing) and I can't wait. Before marriage – four years ago – and more babies – two years ago – I traveled two to four times a year. So I've missed the freedom of flying and of seeing new places. Besides the required itinerary I'll participate in, I am determined to spend one night surrounded by water and bubbles in a hotel bathtub for at least an hour. It may not be much, but it's just enough to refuel my soul so I can return to errands, housework, family, business and such. … At least until next time.