I’ve written recently about the need for homeschool mothers to take care of themselves, even when it is difficult to do so. I have a few more thoughts on that so here they are.
- I am now (usually) attending the 5:30am crossfit class. To anyone who knows me, this is the last thing they ever thought I would type. Saying that I am not a morning person is a gross understatement. In high school I used to have whole conversations with my mother when she called up the stairs to make sure I was up. I have no memory of those conversations because my sleep-in impulse was so strong that I could have those conversations while still asleep. Yeah, I’m really not a morning person. That said, just because that has always been true, doesn’t mean it has to be true now. Don’t place BS expectations or limitations on yourself without fully trying something out. I never thought I could do an early morning class, shoot, I used to think my 8am French class was inhumane, but I tried it anyway and I’m glad I did because it works into my life so much better than my old 9am class did.
- I graduated from Therapy. My therapist and I agreed that it was time to try life on my own. It’s good but I’m still working to find some kind of balance without the assistance of my Therapist. I tend to numb myself out with TV rather than thinking through whatever is making me feel something. I’m working to find ways to take care of myself without having someone whose job it is to make me think about stuff. That said, it’s nice to have the time back.
- I’ve started running. I started listening to the podcast (Not Your Average Runner on itunes) and the speaker is all about encouraging women to run in the body you have right now. She made it sound fun and possible so I’ve started running using her 6 week beginner plan. I’m actually enjoying it (Weird!) and I ran a 5k last weekend. I came in 3rd in my age group (I’m pretty sure there were 4 of us but I’ll take it.) I find I can really think stuff through while I’m running, even when I’ve got early aughts hip hop playing in my ears. This is good for me (see #2) and running is something I never thought I’d be able to do again (see #1). I have another 5k scheduled for early September and I’m working toward improving my (super slow) time.
So yeah, all in all I’m feeling pretty positive about myself just now. I’m seeing the benefits of all those positive vibes in my parenting. I’m over all more patient with the kids during school, I’m more present and willing to engage. That’s what they seem to need most right now so I’m glad I’ve got it in reserve. There were times last year that I didn’t. Apparently, that stupid cliche “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” is true. Who knew?
Super sexy post race face. It was ugly and messy but I did it anyway and I’m glad I did. There is value in doing the stuff that scares you. Be scared, but do it anyway.
Messy Homeschool 