As wives, mothers, and grandmothers, we are guilty of not taking enough time for ourselves. We are always on call for everyone else and making sure they’re comfortable, well-fed, and happy. Rarely do we sit back, relax, and say, “This is my time.”
It’s no wonder we run out of steam sometimes! And I believe it is because we rarely recharge our batteries.
In an earlier post, I mentioned making the home a sanctuary. That is the ultimate goal, but let’s talk about making one room, or area in a room, a sanctuary this time. Your sanctuary. A place to regroup and just be you for a few minutes each busy day.
It takes determination, including teaching your family to know that “this is mom’s time.”
How to start and use your personal sanctuary:
- Be determined. Know that this is good for you and your family; it will replenish you — restore you.
- Take the spare bedroom or even a corner of the living room or a corner of your own bedroom, and if it’s big enough, even your own bathroom.
- Add your favorite chair, some flowers, some candles, plants, books, music — anything you want.
- Decide your time. When will you “retreat?” Routine is good. Plan for around twenty minutes to start.
- Use your time there to just be. Be you reading. Be you meditating. Be you doing what trips your switch, so to speak. Make it a rule that you won’t sit and fret about the children, the bills, or whatever might be nagging at you. Remember, this is your time to just be. Take it while you can!
When I was writing this, it occurred to me that a personal sanctuary could be called a “rejuvenation room” or a “restoration area.” But, whatever you call it, call it yours and yours alone. For you. To replenish the giving cup.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamjodh/ / CC BY 2.0
MiMi
8 responses so far ↓
Joan // Jan 20th 2010 at 11:32 pm
Oh yes! I found a new mom rocker/glider (those are the most comfortable chairs on earth, I think) at a yard sale a few years ago and created my own corner. I love it! That is where I start my day, journal, make lists, ponder, pray, meditate. I am trying also to fix that area so that I only see my favorite treasures from there. A piece of blue willow, some smooth stones, my little collection of elephants. However, with all my writing and notes and paper clutter, I have to really work to keep it straight. But it is my own little world! (PS – I also added a little cd player so I can play my own music back there,too!)
John Sitton // Jan 21st 2010 at 1:11 am
One of Mama’s favorite sayings is, “Got to take care of sister donkey!” an obvious reference to yourself. I believe the world would be a better place if everyone were comfortable with understanding the value of that philosophy.
Nicki (WordCustard) // Jan 21st 2010 at 3:27 am
Having my own space is so important to me. Everyone needs a retreat of their own, but for busy women there is a need to find both time and space. Love this idea of a ‘personal sanctuary’ and your advice for making this part of a routine.
Alex // Jan 21st 2010 at 10:54 am
Back in my previous life, I built a heavy duty playhouse for my children. This place was stout as it was made from some of the heaviest dismantled pallets and crates I could lay hands on.
It looked cool too!
Well, the kids actually used for one summer, but after that, the playhouse became my storm shelter. In the dead of winter, I could go out to that construct, squeeze in, and sit and stare at the barren winterscape of rural farmlands.
Beautifully calming.
Yeah, Daddy’s and husbands of bitter women need sanctuary too ;)
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Are Link Wheels Black Hat Tactics? =-.
MiMi // Jan 21st 2010 at 8:40 pm
Oh, I like that phrase, John!
MiMi // Jan 21st 2010 at 8:48 pm
I tell ya’ if we don’t do it no one else will…That’s why it’s so important for women to understand that they need personal space.
MiMi // Jan 21st 2010 at 8:52 pm
Oh, boy, Alex. They sure do. We all do. Having a sanctuary is smart and healthy. It helps to keep that bitterness from turning into poison. John’s mother used to say, “Got to take care of sister donkey!” I wonder what father’s should say? :D
Dave // Feb 13th 2010 at 2:34 pm
I think the problem is being guilty of anything. I prefer to not spend one minute on guilt. So being guilty of not taking care of ones self shows us the problem in its very language. Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself. AND, don’t feel guilty about NOT taking care of yourself.
of course your mileage may vary. ;-)
.-= Dave´s last blog ..The meaning of the Sun =-.
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