Sure, we Gen X women take time for ourselves; in the evenings, we curl up with a good novel or schedule an after-work mani-pedi. We take snippets of time in the name of self-care, and I believe we convince ourselves that this is all we need, but an entire summer?
Having recently read The Power Of Now by, Eckhart Tolle, I decided to do all of the things I’ve been putting on the notorious back burner over the years: to stop worrying about time, money, and others. I felt like I was embarking on an expedition into the unknown after parenting for thirty-one years. I secretly declared this the “Summer of Me!” I’ve always wanted to write a novel; I’ve always wanted to rent a cabin in the mountains. I realized how much time is going by and decided there truly is no time like the present! This summer, I‘ve begun living with myself as the priority and let me tell you, it is nothing short of exhilarating!
Driving alone from Florida to North Carolina to stay in a cabin that sat ten miles up a mountain was a time of solitude like none other. I’ll never regret it. I started my novel and got in touch with my best self doing whatever the hell I felt led to do at any given moment of the day; with no concern for the complaints, or needs of those around me, I wrote for hours. I blasted music. I cooked salmon over an open fire. I popped popcorn over the open fire! (I made a lot of campfires!) I hiked up mountains, I explored quaint towns and dusty thrift shops. I listened to the sound of raindrops in a forest where there was not a single other sound. I learned about bear spray. I shot a handgun for the first time, (with an instructor, of course). I was reborn.
Every woman should do this. It was liberating, not only because I dared to put myself first, but also because of the money I spent without feeling guilty. So often single moms put themselves last on the list to ensure that the needs of their kids are being met. I finally just went for it.
The sense of appreciation I have for myself has drawn out a new level of confidence that I didn’t see coming.
There’s something so noble in caring about yourself. As moms, we so often have to put ourselves at the bottom of the priority scale. We need to remind each other that there is something divine in remembering to put ourselves at the top of that list. Somehow when we do, everyone benefits.
I’m nearing the end of my summer vacation; I’m due back at work in two weeks. The effects and the benefits of living selfishly this summer have panned out beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve never known as calm of a focus as I do now. I’ve also discovered one or two new things about myself, which I believe will carry over into my professional life and ultimately benefit me.
But a whole summer? Yes, yes, and a resounding YES! The “Summer of Me” is going to be my new tradition. I can’t wait until next year. Perhaps I’ll do a cottage at the beach, or even be so daring as to fly overseas alone. Whatever it turns out to be, I know I will be in the best company there is, and I can hardly wait!
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