I have been blessed throughout my years with the experience of being on both sides of a few fences. Years ago, I worked in a school system with extended time off during the summer months. It was awesome… time off during the summer and getting paid… couldn’t beat it! Those summer months became the best and most exhausting times of my life. I was home with three small children and the day started promptly at 5:30am with little fingers prying my eyes open and asking, “are you in there!”. I loved spending that time with my children, planning the day, going out, and especially naptime. It was an awesome experience and a blessing to have had the opportunity, but when helped arrived home… the pass off was immediate. I needed 15 minutes. Just 15 minutes… to regroup, have no one calling my name, needing me, and time to decompress. Sound familiar?
I’ve also been blessed on the other side… working to build a career and the satisfaction of being great at a given profession. Worked all day, maintained a leadership role, supported others, and made impacts in the lives of individuals and families. You return home tired, walk through the door… and BAM… hit in the face with the chaos of your home, life, and family! I just needed 15 minutes… to change clothes, decompress, think of noting for a little while… then you can put on your cape and be Superdad, Supermom, Superhusband, or Superwife!
In your relationship, both you and your partner had a day! Both you and your partner need their 15 minutes. You may not need it as soon as you walk through the door, but somewhere and at some time in your day self-care is necessary. Do you respect your need and want for your 15 minutes, self-care, and peace of mind? Do you respect your partner’s? Your kid’s?
Yes, I said… your kid’s need for self-care and personal time. It amazes me how busy children, students, and teenagers are. Many get a bad rap for the time spent on their phones and social media, but the truth is they are quiet the busy person: school, homework, sports, practices, while many parents register their children for multiple activities that collide with one another. These activities then run into the schedule of their brothers and sisters; increasing the time they spend in the car traveling from one place to another. That 15 minutes is as important to your children as it is for you… as they struggle to turn off, turn down, and relax. Share your thoughts at www.facebook.com/menevolvingnow/ Happy EVOLVING!!!
written by: Andre Young