I looked over my to-do list and realized there was nothing that I absolutely had to do in the next few hours.
My to-do lists often have little to do with actual deadlines. I self-impose deadlines that keep me days, weeks, or sometimes even months ahead. So there could be an item on my to-do list that no one else would even question whether it was done until weeks from now.
It’s how I juggle my family and work: by always being a few steps ahead for work so that when something inevitably comes up with my family, no one can tell the difference at work.
Though on this particular day, it wasn’t that there was a family emergency or even something fun going on at school since there were only a few days left.
In fact, since school was about to let out for summer, I realized it would be one of the last chances I had until fall to just do whatever the heck I wanted to, no kids in tow or babysitters to organize.
So I laughed at my to do list, knowing I could complete those items later in the day… or even the next week and I would still be ahead… grabbed my bag, and headed to the beach.
The beach is so much different after kids than before. It’s still one of my favorite places, but it’s usually pretty stressful. My boys no longer go dashing off like they did as toddlers and preschoolers, but there’s no such thing as taking my eyes off of them to read a book or take a nap. And sometimes I have to strain to hear the waves over their play.
This was my chance to sit down, dig my toes in the sand, read a book, watch the water, and just relax. So I took it.
I didn’t have to bring much with me, I didn’t have to watch out for anyone else, I could take in the sound of the waves, close my eyes and just breathe.
And I needed it. As much as I really do love my kids being home in the summer, I am a person who needs quiet sometimes. Who needs the beach to ground her, to put things into perspective.
As much fun as we’re already having this summer, I’m glad I took those few hours for me.
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The end of the school year totally caught me by surprise and we were so busy this month that I didn’t get to take much time for myself, most years I do exactly what you did. Hope you enjoyed it!
I realized last Wednesday morning that if I didn’t go RIGHT THAT MOMENT, I wouldn’t be able to again until fall. I quickly left. It was exactly what I needed.
Enjoy your ‘me’ time … it’s so important!
I love that you did this. It’s SO SO needed. More often than we’re able to permit ourselves.
But when we do it’s truly blissful!
Oh yes, way more often than we actually can!
The beach… I’m having a Midwest moment of envy. 😉
We aren’t right on it. It took me almost a half hour to get there. 😉
Good for you, everyone needs a little alone time. It’s what I miss the most since going back to work. It’s hard getting some time alone which I desperately need. My kids are at VBS this week giving me the mornings off. I’m loving the downtime.
Mine are going to VBS next week. That will give me a little quiet, though not enough to do a whole lot since it’s just mornings!
So glad you took that time for you, knowing that a relaxed Shell is what all your boys need and YOU do too.
Hoping you soaked it all in.
LOVE YOU.
It was just what I needed to relax and clear my head.
Love you, too! xo
I wish I lived close enough to the beach to head there by myself. I definitely can never just close my eyes and tan anymore, even if I know my husband is watching the kids. It’s completely different. You’ve got me thinking now about how/when I could do something just for me. I could really use it.
Everyone needs some time to themselves. Even if its not at the beach!
That sounds heavenly! I used one of my last kid free days to go clothes shopping, as heaven knows that won’t happen with all three kids in tow 🙂
I should have found time to do that, too! I’m dreading having to take the kids with me for that!
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! I am inspired by your choice here, Shell!!! It would have been so hard for me to let go of my ‘ridiculous and will-never-get-done to do lists!! You did the RIGHT THING. So now… I will too, the next time I get a few hours to myself!!
My list was taunting me. But I knew that nothing on it really had to be done in those few hours… or even later that day. I’m glad I went!
Oh wow! My kids are now grown, but I remember when they were small and “free time” alone was like money to spend! Moms really need some free time to relax and rejuvenate. It helps us to be better moms. And – there is just something about the beach for reading and relaxing!
Like money to spend- that’s a great way to put it!
Me time is important. I love reading on the beach!
I’m so glad you did too! And now I am super jealous of where you live! 😉
We aren’t right on the water, but it’s about 30 minutes to the beach. Close enough to try to make this a bit more of a common event!