Random Dee Fact: I love my “Me Time!”
“Me time” is that time you take off from the insanity of life to do what you want. I learned about the importance of “me time” after marriage, children, pets, work…. You get the picture. You can eventually lose yourself.
I began taking “me time” when I was in the military almost thirty years ago. I was feeling trapped. I loved my family, job, college, pets… But I needed a break.
One of my friends came told me that soldiers who used the post daycare were given ten free hours a month that we could drop the kids off on a Saturday. She suggested I start dating myself.
Previous to this, I wouldn’t think of going to the movies by myself or to eat. That was crazy.
The first time I did it. I felt like everyone was staring at me. Like, why is she eating alone? Did she get stood up? I also felt guilty for wanting to be away from my husband and baby girl. I was only nineteen and hadn’t learned what great company I am yet, and that it’s okay to spend some of your off hours away from the family.
Anywhoooo, I got over that quickly. I’d break the ten hours up over the course of the month to date myself at least twice a month. Yep. I needed a break from the family, and they needed a break from me.
Once I started taking “me time,” things got better between the king and I. By the way, my hubby is known as “The King” in our family. His mother started referring to him that way many years ago because of his attitude and it stuck.
As our family continued to grow and the king and I left the military, the children needed to be at dance lessons, soccer, swimming, playtime, I had additional obligations… Life was getting insane again. I didn’t even have time to sneak off for a date with myself. I began feeling trapped again. I realized I’d lost my “me time” and needed it back!
I didn’t need to go on a date or leave the house. I just needed time to myself to meditate, read, write—even if I could only carve out only fifteen minutes a day, I was going to do it.
I’ve always been a morning person. I wake up around four, then make myself stay in bed until five. Hmmmm, this was the perfect time for me to set aside for my “me time.” The rest of the family didn’t rise until six, so I had hours of free time to do what I wanted. Initially, reading filled my time, then reading and writing, then other things.
Now my children are grown, but I still love the mornings. They are still my “me time,” even though I don’t officially need a “me time.” I work out, make soap, read, relax, garden… now blogging… whatever I want, and I love it.
How about you? Do you have “me time?” What do you do?
Have a great day and be sure to use the “Share” buttons.
Dee
First of all I love all the pics! I didn’t realize how much your daughter looks like Gabby Douglas (especially in the one with her husband). Love the blog! Like you, I need “me time.” It’s hard to get working seven days a week, so I’ve invested in this beautiful outdoor day bed for my deck. I try to lay on it at least 3-4 evenings a week and just enjoy my backyard. It’s really peaceful out there.
Thanks J’son. Isn’t she a cutie. The other members of my family are camera shy.
Anywhooo, I’m so glad you are taking that “me time.” I don’t think people understand just how important it is to step away from the insanity. If even for a few minutes a day.
Have a great day,
Yes, she’s a cutie. Go on and let them be camera shy. lol You two will fill in the gap especially now that you’ve passed Selfie 101. Enjoy your day as well!
Shooot, my next post may be all about the selfie! You need to make a guest appearance. 🙂
You know I’m down! lol
I have several me times. It when I take my camera and go some place with great views and shoot pictures and relax. It’s in my garden when I am planting or pulling weeds. It is not a chore when you do a little bit at a time. It also could be a rainy day when I decide not to go out but curl up under the cover or read a good book.
Sounds like you know how to get your me time. Getting a real camera and learning how to use it is on my todo list, Harriet! Thanks for dropping by.
It took some time to learn how to get me time. However,
once I learned I ran with it.
That’s where I am. I RUUUUUUNNNNN….