I remember when Brad used to come home from work and say, "Let's go out to eat."
I would respond, "We don't have the money."
And he would contest, "Are we ever going to have the money? Are we ever going to go out?"
I didn't get it.
I do now.
I'm working at a job, which is fine; it's a job. I like my coworkers, I like the company, it pays the bills, it grants us benefits. But I come home, spend--at most--three precious hours with my children, maybe one more with Brad, and fall asleep. Anywhere.
Weekends are blurs of cleaning and errand running and scheduling.
Um, I'm sort of new to this lifestyle, so please excuse my naivite, but...
...when does the living happen?
When does life beyond just catching up and getting bills paid and completing all the tasks necessary for basic survival happen?
When do we stop planning and start enjoying?
Are we meant to save our living time for two one-week vacations per year?
I can't deal with that. I am going insane.
So we're trying some new rules. Call me crazy, but we're desperate: no TV during together time. Outdoor family time at least once a week. And dates every weekend. No matter what.
Do you have any strategies for living beyond just trying to make if from day to day?
All I can say is, it is in the moments. Between the craziness that everyones lives fill up with, there are moments of true "living" and you just make the most of it, I guess.
ReplyDeleteAlso, remember that life is more about attitude and perspective, then anything else.
Good luck getting into this new groove. :)
I agree with April. (Hi April, my name is Maren).
ReplyDeleteThose little moments when you are watching your children laugh or dance, and laughing and dancing with them.
And don't worry about missing it all, because I know you and you are a worrier and I don't want you to waste your time that way. Just know that you are doing the best you can, and soak up the moments.
From the looks of your blog you are doing a great job of soaking up the moments already!
I think you're right on track with setting up some rules so that the time you do have together is more fulfilling and meaningful. Occasionally I have to take a moment and make sure I'm fitting in things that help me to feel fulfilled too...of course, I don't have wee babes, either. And I hear they take a little time? or something? But I have found that doing things like reading on the bus ride to work or listening to books on tape at work, or waking up a little earlier (this generally only lasts for about a week) to practice the violin or stealing little moments like these to make sure I'm staying mentally healthy amidst the mind-numbing hours of work really helps me take more joy in the journey. Let me know if you figure out the answer. It's a cycle I continually go through.
ReplyDeleteelise,
ReplyDeleteyou are my hero. Life happens when you are not looking for it. Just embrace every moment.