Parenting is a fulfilling journey, but I knew from the start that having a child meant being needed—although I never anticipated just how much. Caring for another human being is demanding, both physically and mentally. Yet, I willingly chose to have another child, then another, fully aware of the diminishing free time ahead. It’s all part of the sacrifices we make for our families.
Some days, the constant neediness doesn’t faze me. I understand that, while my children will always require my support, their demands will evolve. As they grow, their focus will shift to friendships and personal experiences, carving out their own paths. Still, there are moments when I yearn for less dependence, wishing to indulge in personal hobbies without interruptions—no little hands tugging at me, no requests for snacks or help with homework.
At times, the idea of retreating to a quiet place feels like a distant dream. I often fantasize about locking myself in the car or checking into a nearby hotel just to reconnect with myself, even for a brief moment. After over 13 years of motherhood, I’ve learned that carving out time for myself is essential, no matter how fatigued I feel or how busy my family life gets.
Recently, while my entire family slept soundly, I found myself awake late at night, chatting with a friend online. The previous evening, I struggled to keep my eyes open while immersed in a captivating book. Sure, I could have easily drifted off to sleep, but the serenity of the night wrapped around me like a warm blanket, allowing me to pause and admire the moon out my window every few pages.
I’ve spent late nights sewing quilts, binge-watching HGTV until the early hours, and tackling home projects that are much easier to finish without anyone around. There’s something incredibly satisfying about completing a task in one go when it’s just me.
Each Saturday and Sunday morning, I face a choice: I can lie in bed as the sun rises or slip outside for my daily run. I cherish the solitude, running at my own pace, stopping to enjoy the sights around me—perhaps a field of cows or a family of turkeys. That time is rejuvenating, and when I return home, I feel like a refreshed version of myself. I’ve come to realize that opting for “me time” over sleep often leaves me feeling more energized.
I love my children and embrace my role as their mother. I take pride in being present for them, yet I must also remember that I need time for myself. Mothers often find themselves disconnected from their own identities; we were individuals before parenthood, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that person still exists.
For me, those precious moments of self-connection happen after my kids are tucked in and the house is quiet.
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In summary, while parenting can be exhausting, finding moments for ourselves is essential for our well-being. Embracing ‘me time’ allows us to recharge so we can continue being the best versions of ourselves for our families.