This is the first time in my entire working career I have ever taken holidays and actually not gone anywhere. It has been glorious. I did not post anything for the entire week nor I have I checked my work emails even once! The kids just wanted to be kids, no structure, no plans. (It was Spring Break here in Manitoba) Sometimes you just need to recharge and a staycation was the perfect way to do it. My husband also took some hard earned days off so we could spend some much needed time together.
No, I did not finish my to-do list or any other small miracles and I am ok with that. Instead we filled the week in things that we just wanted to do and not what we needed to do. I took a 2 day course in the city to and found great joy in learning new things. Cuddled with my husband. Chilled with the boys and watched some movies. Ran the dog. Hit the gym with my husband. Cooked and watched my husband cook (even better). Had some fun in the city go karting. Jumped at the trampoline park. Realized my pelvic floor isn’t what it used to be. Got henna brows. Every single day was just filled with things we wanted to do. The house got messy and guess what? No one cared or noticed.
I have slept well, stayed on point with workouts and nutrition and the big pay out is seeing the changes so far in this prep. I really think stress takes it toll. At this point I am now 8 weeks out. I will definitely be heavier this show than last but in the 2 years between, I have put on more muscle. This week off has put things in perspective for me and I have a new drive to change the game, in all aspects of my life.
What is it that holds you back? The same thing that holds most of us back, fear. Being conscious of that I am working hard to push past it. I stepped into a classroom this week, so nervous I was shaking. Why? Because I thought I couldn’t do it? Because I am too old? Sometimes you have to call your own bullshit. Day 2, I walked in confidant in my own ability to be taught instead of fearing that I couldn’t learn. Like the old saying goes, “the bird does not put any trust into the branch it is perched on, he only trusts his own wings and his ability to fly”. I was the same at the gym when I started three years ago, afraid to look stupid. Then I realized, no one is watching. I learned about muscles and form and kept going. Every pro was once an amateur, for real.
The point is maybe with a little down time, you could make time for some things you truly love. Things that make your heart sing. Yes, the important things still have to get done. We have been in renos since August! But you still need time for you, time for your spouse, time for your kids and time for your dog (or cat or bird, do people really not have pets?). Your happiness is important, you have this 1 life, that is it! Even if you don’t take a week off and opt for an extra long weekend imagine what you could do. I am pretty sure no one sat on their death bed wishing they spent more time at work. Maybe there is a new yoga class or paint night you have been wanting to try? Swim day with the kids? Date night? That book on your nightstand you bought 3 months ago? Just something you really want to do with the somebodies you love doing it with.
I woke up this morning feeling grateful. Truly. I have loved being with my family and not having to be anywhere. I have loved being at home and enjoying what we have. I have had time to slow down and enjoy simple moments. The kids have enjoyed playing with friends, hanging out with us, sleeping in and big home cooked breakfasts. Time is not stopping but I feel it slowed down this week just enough to let us catch up. To recharge our batteries. To appreciate each other. To appreciate what it is we work hard for.
As I write this, I can almost feel Monday morning on me. My husband is back at work and the kids are still sleeping. So I am going to make the most out of this Sunday so I can slay the week ahead. Meal prep, planning, lunches, laundry, gym, groceries and family dinner. A new season of hockey starts and this mom is ready to take it on. Sunday has always been my favorite day of the week, this one is extra sweet as it wraps up a really great week. The snow is melting and spring is starting. I am grateful, thankful and well rested (and ready to kick Monday in the nuts).