The ‘Me’ I am today, in 2015, as a forty year old parent to three daughters, is a very different ‘Me’ to who I was eleven year’s ago, before I became a parent. I wouldn’t have hesitated to head out the door then – for a run, a kayak, a night out, a weekend away – but children change everything; they fill my heart, my mind and my time in ways I never could have imagined.
I love being a mother and am so grateful to have been able to spend so much time with my children in their early years – but I’m also hugely thankful to my hubby for being so supportive and encouraging me to carve out a little time for me (and for us, as a couple). As a parent, I haven’t always been the best at putting myself first and it’s only now, as my children are older and becoming increasingly independent, that I feel more encouraged to take time out for me (and for hubby and I!). I’m learning that by taking a little more time for ‘me’ I can then be more present in the time I do have with my children.
The theme for the first ‘Photo Gallery’ of 2015 is ‘Me’ and thanks to hubby being around this summer hols, I am getting out for some decent runs. I’m lucky to have some stunning scenery on my doorstep, which makes running more appealing – but it can also be windy on Wellington’s south coast (with takes me a certain amount of dogged determination to run in!).
With three children and a gorgeous puppy to also keep me busy it’s not always easy to put myself first and head out for a run; but I feel so much more clear-headed, happier and healthier for doing it (plus I feel less guilty about having a little tipple in the evening!).
Without my supportive and caring hubby I wouldn’t get out at all – he often has to push me out the door with multiple reassurances that ‘all will be fine’ (and he also makes me amazing Lattes to fuel my every step!). In turn, he gets out for some exercise on the kayak or stand up paddle board (quite often with a child or two in tow!).
So, here’s to a 2015 of trying to balance out meeting the needs of everyone in the family (with a little time for ‘me’, as well as hubby and I having some ‘us’ time!).
[I’m bottom left of the pyramid in the photograph below – along with my three daughters on the top, and two of their friends next to me on the bottom!]
Related posts
August 29, 2022 A month of sunshine in England, time with family, friends, letting go & accepting change.
February 3, 2022 Back in Wellington, catching some summer vibes.
July 2, 2019 Mid year catch up post!
February 28, 2016 Country Kids find fun at BreWDay in Martinborough!
February 10, 2016 Getting back into routines and the new school year
August 20, 2015 After the Wellington winds, the stillness… a poem
Oh man, you lead such a gorgeous life! It’s really hard once you become a mother to fit time in for the ‘me’. Lucky you to have such an understanding husband 😉
You do have some fabulous scenery. I really struggle with a lack of ‘me’ time and my husband and I have only been away once together since we had children. Luckily we have our evenings together when the children are asleep.
Wow you are an inspiration. What an amazing life you have and such lovely pictures x
great space for long runs, I am amazed you are finding the time but well done,
Thanks, it is beautiful and only possible due to hubby not working this summer! He’s great at ‘Daddy Day Care’ 😉 I’m making the most of the time whilst it lasts!
Thanks Susan, I just wish it wasn’t all so far away from my folks in the UK; but it is a great life and the children are so fortunate. x
It is beautiful and some ‘me’ time has only come in recent years – as our youngest child turns 5 shortly and the other two are so much easier at 9 and 11. Hubby and I still struggle to get out much together – but when we do, we only need a couple of hours and feel restored for a good few weeks 😉 I wish our children still went to sleep early – usually they crash about 10pm – around the same time as hubby and I (though our youngest goest earlier of course).
Thanks so much Susan. It’s a great life – just wish it wasn’t so far away from the UK!
very lucky indeed – but he knows how to keep me sweet and earn the ‘brownie points’… he adds them up and periodically turns them in for a night out on the town or a leisurely game of golf 😉 He gets out on the kayak and paddle board a fair amount too.