Beautiful sunshiny day today, and I took the day OFF, mostly just for ME. Now, this time, I really DID have a Dr's appt in the afternoon, so it was completely legit, but back in 2007, I wrote this letter to Gwynn while on a "mental health day." What it says still, and in my opinion, always, rings true...

Dear Gwynn,

One of the best gifts you can give yourself is TIME for yourself.

Today, I took a day off from work, alone. I was fine, no health issues, no delivery expected, or repair person to let in the house. No Dr’s appt, bank closing or lawyer visit, all of those things that it is “OK” to take a day off for. I said goodbye to your dad, put you and your brother on the bus, and had a day for ME.

In the first few moments of alone time, I was a little panicky, had to putter around the kitchen, unload the dishwasher, start a load of wash. But then, the coffee maker made a little sputtering sound, as if beckoning me to take a load off, so I poured myself another cup.

I went towards the living room, set up a great play list on the computer and curled up in the rocker with a book. An hour later, half way through my short novel, I think I finally relaxed.

You see, as a mom, and as a teacher, I am always doing for others. Now, you know me well enough to know that I am FAR from self-sacrificing. I am one to treat myself well. If I need something, or want something, I am going to take care of myself, but to take a day like this is rare. I think I tend to get caught up in the material things I want and need, and I think that those things are going to refresh my soul. I think many of us do this. We are so busy in our day-to-day lives, and we hear enough pop psychology telling us that even in our busy lives, we need to take time for ourselves. Still, we answer that call by consuming. Perhaps we treat ourselves to dinner, with the family or a bunch of friends. Perhaps we pick up a new sweater or blouse, or just toss that fashion magazine or overpriced coffee in the cart. Maybe we decide a manicure would do the trick. Now I am not saying any of those things are bad…they are, OFTEN, just the ticket, and I love to indulge in each and every one of them. But, sometimes, the soul needs to be refreshed, and nothing will help that ailment like TIME.

Today, I took a day off, for no reason. Last night, I called in to our service, and sat back down on the couch with your dad, outlining what I was going to do with my day. I had plans, phone calls to make, bills I would pay, cleaning and organizing that I wanted to get done, in a certain and precise order and way. Low and behold, here I am, at 2pm, one hour before you will return to my welcome arms. And what have I done? I have read, and watched a TV show I love, but never see because of work. I have listened to my music throughout the house, my iTunes buying habit coming around to refresh me at last, on my new and now finally enjoyed speakers from Christmas. I have cleaned and organized and thrown out about 3 bags of garbage, but not at all the stuff I planned to attack. I have taken a luxurious shower, with some special bath products I bought for “me time” nearly two years ago. I have gazed into our backyard and just watched the thaw from the winter sun. I have danced around the living room, and I have sung at the top of my lungs. I have readied a craft project for us to do this afternoon, and, finally, I have written this letter, to you. I have learned again, and am now passing on the thought, to always take the time, for YOU.

I love you,
Mommy