March 3, 2022
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My SUV has been in the shop for about a week now, and honestly, I’m starting to lose my sanity. “I don’t understand what the problem is,” says my charming, yet clueless, husband. He doesn’t realize that my vehicle is more than just a mode of transport. It’s not merely a way to get the kids from ballet to soccer and back to gymnastics. The car is my sanctuary. Sometimes, I just need everyone to step out for a moment.
Bless his heart, but my husband also doesn’t grasp why I insist on running errands solo. (Maybe he does, and he’s just pretending not to notice, hoping I don’t dash out the door without the kiddos in tow.) It’s not that I’m avoiding my children; rather, I simply need a break from them now and then. Yes, I said it.
Don’t misunderstand me; my family is my everything, but too much time together can become overwhelming. Between parenting, working, and juggling countless other responsibilities, I require a little downtime. And it’s not as easy to come by as one might think. I do my best to maintain balance. The kids will still be fed and bathed, dinner will still be prepared, and dishes will still be cleaned. All I’m asking for is for my family to honor my solo time in my SUV.
Cherishing Mom’s Sanctuary
Saturday mornings are my absolute favorite. It’s the only day of the week you might catch me (intentionally) out of bed before 7 a.m. What motivates me to get moving? The chance to visit the Starbucks drive-through and navigate the grocery store without little ones in tow.
I don’t want to referee as they race up and down the aisles, knocking things off shelves. I certainly don’t want to dig out random items from the cart that are definitely not making it home. I simply want to enjoy my favorite podcast and pat myself on my back when I stick to my grocery list (or at least close enough). I want to sip my overpriced coffee without worrying about it being spilled in a tug-of-war over who gets to push the cart.
As a child, I never understood why my mom would gather grocery ads and spend the morning darting between three or more supermarkets. Why all that time in the car? After becoming a parent myself, it started to make sense. Sure, she was trying to save a few bucks, but I suspect she was also seeking her own sacred space.
A Salute to Moms
Sometimes, it’s just about driving to pick up dinner solo. Other times, it’s about getting to school early to collect the kids. But my cherished moments are spent in my SUV. It’s tranquil and quiet. When I’m catching up on work, it’s just me and the sound of the keyboard, without incessant calls of “Mom, mom,” every few minutes. Can you imagine how much you can accomplish when you’re not being pulled in a million different directions? The peace found in having time for things that ignite your passion is priceless.
Occasionally, I sit back and catch up on my Netflix shows while waiting in the pick-up line. Sometimes, it’s just about having a chance to unwind and take a deep breath. There’s nothing quite like a deep sigh or a captivating story to help me relax.
I might even crack open a book and immerse myself in a tale. Yes, transport me back to the 16th century with some French historical fiction. This is my break, and moms deserve breaks. Those moments are ultimately restorative; a little silence can help you find your center, no matter how chaotic things get at home.
So, moms, here’s a gentle reminder: give yourself grace and carve out some time for you. Even if it’s just sitting in the parking lot in sweet, blissful silence.
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Summary
This article emphasizes the importance of alone time for mothers, highlighting the need for personal space amidst the chaos of parenting. It reflects on the author’s experiences, illustrating how moments of solitude in her SUV serve as a sanctuary where she can recharge and find peace. Lastly, it encourages moms to prioritize their well-being by taking time for themselves.