(I copied this list from another blog I read....the ones that are all in bold I already do.)
If I could do it all again, I’d:
1. Give myself permission to not be on call 24/7. By permission, I don’t mean disappearing, or for long, drawn-out periods. But I do mean handing over the reins of parenting more often, so I keep in touch with who I am in addition to being a parent.
2. Let the laundry pile up. Because, let’s be honest, nobody is going to fire me.
3. Enjoy a regular date night with my husband. Away from home if possible, but if we can’t, at least pretend we are.
4. Swing on the swings with the kids. Fun is more fun when your mother is having it too.
5. Make fewer to-do lists. Though I might feel as if I’m accomplishing something, I’m only writing down what I already know.
6. Sleep more, better, longer.
7. Worry less, better, shorter.
8. Be less grumpy about the state of my kids’ rooms. They’ll be empty far too soon.
9. Take time for tea. The entire process of making and drinking it — slowly — is an art. Zen. Brilliant.
10. Dance. Regardless of how silly I look doing it. Knees don’t stay young forever.
11. Write down the bedtime stories I make up for my kids. And even better, the ones they make up for me. We don’t think so at the moment, but memory fades. The written word lives on.
12. Travel more. Regardless of the obstacles. It’s an education in itself.
13. Step out of my comfort zone more often. I’m a role model, after all, for making dreams come true.
14. Drink more milk. Strong bones mean I can lift my kids, and run with them — and one day, with their kids.
15. Be less polite to people who are unpleasant. I can’t fix them.
16. Knit. Somebody always needs a sweater, blanket, scarf, hat, or mittens. Plus, it’s oddly soothing.
17. Repeat number 8.
(Number 8 is one I need the most work on. Because seriously, as long as it doesn't smell bad or there aren't any rodents that we didn't purchase living in said room, then yes....I will let it go.) SIIGH!
The kids are getting older and on the not so distant horizon the oldest is going off to either live on her own or in a college dorm. There will be one less person in the house and less stuff to create a mess. So on that note, maybe I should appreciate the days now instead of rushing for the future to get here. Like some moms I know, we cant wait for our kids to be a little bit older. But with that, we are also a little bit older too and I don't like that. Lets just slow down time now and enjoy every single bit of life with our littles. We are here to create memories with them and for them. So stop what your doing. Your house isn't going to walk away if you don't clean all day Saturday. Your kids will still need a shower at the end of the day regardless of what they did. Hike and picnic in the canyon, or stay in and play video games. They will still need a shower at some point. You make the days. Don't let the days make you!
If I could do it all again, I’d:
1. Give myself permission to not be on call 24/7. By permission, I don’t mean disappearing, or for long, drawn-out periods. But I do mean handing over the reins of parenting more often, so I keep in touch with who I am in addition to being a parent.
2. Let the laundry pile up. Because, let’s be honest, nobody is going to fire me.
3. Enjoy a regular date night with my husband. Away from home if possible, but if we can’t, at least pretend we are.
4. Swing on the swings with the kids. Fun is more fun when your mother is having it too.
5. Make fewer to-do lists. Though I might feel as if I’m accomplishing something, I’m only writing down what I already know.
6. Sleep more, better, longer.
7. Worry less, better, shorter.
8. Be less grumpy about the state of my kids’ rooms. They’ll be empty far too soon.
9. Take time for tea. The entire process of making and drinking it — slowly — is an art. Zen. Brilliant.
10. Dance. Regardless of how silly I look doing it. Knees don’t stay young forever.
11. Write down the bedtime stories I make up for my kids. And even better, the ones they make up for me. We don’t think so at the moment, but memory fades. The written word lives on.
12. Travel more. Regardless of the obstacles. It’s an education in itself.
13. Step out of my comfort zone more often. I’m a role model, after all, for making dreams come true.
14. Drink more milk. Strong bones mean I can lift my kids, and run with them — and one day, with their kids.
15. Be less polite to people who are unpleasant. I can’t fix them.
16. Knit. Somebody always needs a sweater, blanket, scarf, hat, or mittens. Plus, it’s oddly soothing.
17. Repeat number 8.
(Number 8 is one I need the most work on. Because seriously, as long as it doesn't smell bad or there aren't any rodents that we didn't purchase living in said room, then yes....I will let it go.) SIIGH!
The kids are getting older and on the not so distant horizon the oldest is going off to either live on her own or in a college dorm. There will be one less person in the house and less stuff to create a mess. So on that note, maybe I should appreciate the days now instead of rushing for the future to get here. Like some moms I know, we cant wait for our kids to be a little bit older. But with that, we are also a little bit older too and I don't like that. Lets just slow down time now and enjoy every single bit of life with our littles. We are here to create memories with them and for them. So stop what your doing. Your house isn't going to walk away if you don't clean all day Saturday. Your kids will still need a shower at the end of the day regardless of what they did. Hike and picnic in the canyon, or stay in and play video games. They will still need a shower at some point. You make the days. Don't let the days make you!
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