Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Mommy and "Me Time"

I felt like I was having a long overdue spa day. My body relaxed into the contours of the chair. The lights on the ceiling called to me like spinning mandalas, pulsating with meditative energy. I sighed and surrendered myself to the lady taking care of…

My teeth.

Yes, I was at the dentist. I can’t say I ever imagined considering a teeth cleaning a luxurious treat. But having Claire has given the term “me time” a new meaning. These days I will take it where I can get it.

But, really, the dentist office as “me time”? It made me realize how much of the energy in the Demas household flows from me to Claire, and how I survive on fumes.

mommy me time


Which means that all is about as it should be with a 15 month old.

When I am my best self, I remember that one of the beautiful (albeit challenging) gifts of a child is the lesson of self-sacrifice. Generally, the act of giving comes easily, almost reflexively, with a child. What requires contemplation is the repercussion of resentment that can often follow -- especially when I feel tired, overwhelmed and lacking patience.

Sometimes, I need to remember that it's okay to metaphorically put on my oxygen mask first. Often, I must make a conscious effort to find time for me hidden in different places and smaller moments.

To the last bit, I can thank my daughter for giving me a fresh perspective about the much-maligned obligation of going to the dentist.


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16 comments:

  1. LOL! I just TODAY posted about how you know you're tired when getting a leg wax somehow feels relaxing. Dentist... wow, that definitely one-ups me. And reminds me I need to make an appointment...

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  2. **New follower**
    Thanks for linking up with Super Sunday Sync!

    Check out my Mommy blog at:
    www.dawnsdisaster.blogspot.com
    Visit anytime!
    {All follows are returned}
    Come play on Sundays @
    Super Sunday Sync!

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  3. Stopping in from My Froley. I'm sure moms across the planet can relate to this post. I also have some creative ways for catching "me time". Sometimes it means I make more trips down to the basement for a few quiet moments with just me and the dirty duds. Other times, I grab my secret stash of peanut M&M's and hide in our home's only closet for a few private moments of chocolate bliss.

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  4. Laundry is a lovely escape. Can't say I felt that way when I was single. My how things change! Wouldn't change it for a thing!

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  5. Hi Rachel! I remember that feeling when I went to the hairdresser and I was lying back with my hair getting washed. Thankfully, my kids are older now. I still lose my patience and all, but "me time" comes easier.

    Thanks for linking up at the Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop! I'm now following you with GFC.

    Tina - mom of 4 and author of 5 blogs
    http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Wow, it is so good to hear that it gets easier!! Words of encouragement work as "me time" too!

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  6. That is so funny!! I can totally relate



    I"m your newest follower from the GFC blog hop
    followme@ www.studentswife.com

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  7. The dentist's chair is one of those few times that a mom gets off her feet and just...sits. I tend to fall asleep in the hairdresser's chair! Gotta steal the quiet time when we can! New GFC follower from the hop. Would love it if you could visit my humorous blog site and follow back--I'd be super grateful! Thanks for sharing! http://Menopausalmother.blogspot.com

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  8. I actually think prioritizing self-care is rather an important thing. When I'm exhausted at the end of the day, I remind myself of the importance of brushing and flossing and taking care of myself.

    I'm visiting from the Super Sunday Sync (a bit late!) and I'm now following you. Would love for you to come visit us too!

    Cheers
    Renee @ http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com

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    Replies
    1. Oh, yes! I forgot...flossing, what a luxury!

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  9. Dude I had my wisdom teeth out a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed the time out! We mums take what we can get!

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  10. I can't imagine ever enjoying the dentist, kids or not! lol. Enjoyed your post!
    TALU!

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  11. That gave me a funny visual. You know how when you want to blow your top over something they say to pause and take a few deep breaths. From now on, I think I'll be holding an invisible nitrous oxide mask over my face when I do. Hey, if nothing else, if it's a person you want to blow off too, they'll immediately think you're crazy and back down. ;) [#TALU]

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  12. Oh boy, can I ever relate! I have written about the grocery store being the new day spa, feeling "relaxed" at my pap smear...the list goes on. And I am a big fan of the oxygen mask metaphor in parenting- I use it often! TALU

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  13. I so miss your blog! I have to get out more often! Thanks for linking up to Second-Chance Sunday! Pinned and shared!

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