(excuse the awkward cleavage in this photo)
"Wow, you must have a lot of extra time to be so crafty"
"If I stayed at home I would take photos like you, I just don't have the time"
"I wish I had the time to do the fun things you do with your kids. I'm just so busy I don't have any extra time to plan it"
Those are statements I hear pretty often- from friends, from family, from strangers...
Apparently I have a lot of extra free time because I like to do crafts, take photos and do other things besides sit at home and watch TV.
I'm curious though- what makes me have more time than anyone else?
2 kids, a house to be cleaned, errands to be done, friendships to build, a fabulous (but hardworking 12 hours a day husband) a dog...okay I'm taking this to a place I don't want to. This isn't about what I do, it's supposed to be about how I personally choose to spend my spare time. My oodles of free time, gah.
Here's the thing. When I have an hour of free time- meaning both kids are asleep or Sophie is at pre-school and J is asleep, that is when I can do something for myself. When both kids are awake- I cannot sit on the computer or sew or write. I don't think people understand that. I don't let my kids hang out by themselves- they are my job and I am with them 24/7 unless they are asleep which these days is rare. And yes that means when I pee my daughter is next to me going to the bathroom too. (we are potty training)
So. That measly hour? I use it to edit photos, or write in a journal, or set up a craft for when Sophie wakes, or research photo shoots so we can do one once Daddy gets home to watch Jack. I choose to do these things with my free time. These things are my passions. I make the time for it. Instead of cooking a huge dinner I pack a picnic and take the family to a field and snap photos. Instead of going out to dinner (we can't afford it anyway) we go to a local fair or free dance class that I've found by researching during my "free time". Other people? They may choose to do something different with their time. And that's great!
But my hobbies and passions are because I make them a priority. They make me a better mom and wife. I cannot go a week without taking photos just as there are people who can't go a week without watching a football game or going for a run, or shopping online or baking cupcakes. Everyone makes something a priority and those are the things you have time for.
I will always have time for photos and writing, family getaways and outdoor adventures. Let's praise each other! We are in this together- let's support one another and build each other up! No one has time these days- let's help mom's or friends out and give them time to find their passions. It will breath life into you!
What do YOU make time for?
YES!! My hubs forwarded me an email the other day and he calls me about 6 times a day (between appts) and he kept asking me if I had read the email. I kept saying no, I hadn't had time. He finally said well what do you look at when you go online? I realized that he thought that since I get online after the kids go to bed (while he is home sitting with me) he thought I did that during the day, too! I explained to him that I rarely turn my computer on while I am at home with the kids because I am busy with them! Priorities are what it all boils down to, you are so right! During nap I watch my reality junk, do laundry, clean bathrooms and maybe write a blog or sometimes sleep. You are a great mama and what gorgeous babies you have!! MUAH!!!
ReplyDeleteYou must have it SO easy since you get to stay home with your kids :)
ReplyDeleteAleyta you have written such a beautiful, honest post, I love it and couldn't agree more. I've been a stay at home mom for 11 years and have loved it so much. Like you, there were months (and years) where I didn't accomplish too much, but what I did accomplish really mattered to me. We would go to the park, library and pool for hours. We would read and play, learn and grow. My kids also learned as they got a tad older to play with each other while I cooked or cleaned. I have to say I've always made exercise a priority so I know what you're saying when people say "where do you find the time?" I made the time. I strapped them in a stroller and went for a jog :)
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