I have some friends that are kitchen/career/mother/wife goddesses. These are the ladies that can flourish on four hours sleep and still make their own pasta, children’s birthday cake creations, Halloween costumes, and still have energy for “me time” all in one day. How do they do it? I’m not sure how it works exactly, but it involves some of this—they save the best of themselves for those they love and what they love to do. They don’t enslave themselves with to do lists that, ultimately, will not add one day to their life or create lasting memories. I need to take a few cues from them.
Today, when I was putting my three-year-old down for a nap, she insisted that mommy cuddle for a while. I almost resisted, thinking about all the things I could be, should be doing while she and her baby sister were napping. Instead, I threw caution to the wind and my “to do” list in a drawer and cuddled with my sweetie with the recent copy of Real Simple. It’s counter to my drive to get my stuff done before I rest, but when I do take the time to slow down and enjoy the blessings God has bestowed on me, I get so much more done. I think it’s similar to the notion that you can eat all the time, if you just pace yourself, with small, nutritious meals. With a diet like that, based on regular short periods of peace and rest, I wouldn’t have to settle for leftovers. And maybe, that elusive sense of balance will follow.
