After a rocky couple of weeks, this week I slowed right down and took care of myself. It was the best idea I’ve had in ages.
I spent time in mornings making and eating a proper breakfast – mostly porridge and fruit with a cup of licorice tea.
I met a friend for a mid-morning cuppa.
I walked up to collect the kids from school and we all walked home together.
I made my work ‘to do’ list a ‘do these three things today’ list and it helped a lot.
I took a full day off mid-week and went and pampered myself – facial, yummy lunch, hair done (not my favourite bit, I get so bored), movie – I highly recommend a Ferris day!
I decluttered two areas of the house that have been making me itchy for ages – the girls’ room and my study.
I cooked really simple stuff for dinner that took me no more than 20 minutes.
I took the kids to the park for an afternoon tea picnic.
I got someone else to pick the kids up from school one of the days, just so I didn’t have that 3pm curfew looming over me all day.
I lazed in the hammock and read for half an hour before pick up.
I went to yoga and quickly realised I should go to yoga much more often than I do.
I hung out with Bart, which always makes me happy.
It’s no surprise that I feel like I’ve had a mini-holiday and an epiphany: none of these things are very time consuming or hard to fit into my everyday life (except the pamper day – that’s definitely a sometimes-food). How hard can it be to do something small and meaningful for myself each day? Not hard at all.
So that’s what I’m committing to. Not all of these things all at once, but one of these things every day. Living a little more carefully, a little more slowly and a little more luxuriously.
Other things that had me this week:
Reading – I’m actually watching more than reading – ABC iView catch-ups of Escape to the Wild. As much as the sense of adventure and daring appeal, I couldn’t do it, could you?
Writing – just here.
Making – a cool LEGO instructions folder for Kidspot.
Wishing – for a simpler existence. Always that.
Loving – all the posts about Problogger from clever bloggers like 1, 2 and 3. Almost feels like I was there!
Wondering – whether drum lessons for Max are a good idea?
Have a lovely weekend and happy reading.
x
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THANK YOU for joining the Weekend Rewind list, hosted by Maxabella loves and Kelly Exeter (Son from Life, Love and Hiccups is having a break this week). To join in simply link up your favourite post and visit a few other bloggers for a read and a chat. A link back here on your post is appreciated.
Emily says
Beautiful post. Love it. I’m feeling that way myself after the craziest fortnight of my year. But such a good one. SUCH a good one.
Drum lessons are always a good idea. No sarcasm. Drummers are the beating heart of any band. No pun intended.
Maxabella says
This is what I’m worried about!! x
Emily says
They hold ALL the power. My little boy has some serious rhythm (I know I’m biased, but since I can also say that my daughter seems to have none, I think it’s allowed) and I’ll be getting him a drum kit for Christmas. x
Maxabella says
This is what I’m afraid of… Just quietly, I haven’t noticed any particular signs of rhythm in our dear boy. Nope, not at all!!! x
Deb @ inner compass designs says
So good to read this post Bron. And drum lessons are a yes from me- miss 10 started when she was 5 1/2 and still plays but has since added guitar and saxophone. Drums are a fun instrument and hubby had her teach him stuff along the way xxx my post today is perfectly connected to yours as I also needed to reconnect with white space, self care and deep breaths. Almost had a total burnout. Xxx
Maxabella says
I’ll be over to read your post, Deb – sorry you got so exhausted. IT’s so easy to do. x
Mumma McD says
That sounds like a magnificent week Bron! We all need to chuck a Ferris every now and again. And yoga. More yoga.
Maxabella says
Yoga makes me equal parts happy and bored. It’s a bit of a weird feeling!!
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
I love a good epiphany, and such a beautifully delicious word! Good on you for looking after yourself, Bron. Just has to be done sometimes.
If Max is passionate about drumming, go for it. It really makes me happy when Bell randomly starts writing a song at the keyboard, or gets lost in her guitar.
Hope you hammock gets a go this weekend xx
Maxabella says
It is such a good word, isn’t it!! With the drumming, so far I’ve committed to getting him a set of sticks. If he drums a lot with those, we’ll think about adding drums! x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Such an ace post and you included three of my favourite PB posts too! I think the only thing I can add to the taking care of yourself list, is a visit to the Secret Garden!
Maxabella says
We are soooooo overdue! Might have to get into that! x
Denyse says
This is a wonderful post. Glad to you have found some time for you. I have almost too much time for me…and that in its own way is a stressor as I have been quite lonely and without a lot of direction since early this year when we left Sydney. I have found my art has been a great life to my mood along with a beach walk as often as I can – at least 2-3 times a week. I have started a little group here about mindful colouring just to have something to help me relate to the new community. It’s been a big week and I have written about my final leaving of all things work on my linked post. Denyse x
Maxabella says
I’m glad you are a joiner, Denyse. A move like yours can be very isolating and the older we get the harder it is to make friends. We get there, though. You will find your coasty tribe and it will all come together. Your painting is wonderful – what a gift that must feel. x
Sara | Kid Magazine says
I love the idea of a ‘do these three things’ list. I need that! It’s so important to look after ourselves. We are better mums if we are happy and healthy!
Charlene says
I second that Sara.
Maxabella says
It’s been so good, I’m going to keep it up!
Angie says
This post has inspired me so much! I don’t want to be constantly frantic. I like the idea of a more luxurious life – but in those simple ways like sitting and sipping a tea, reading a book with my feet up. It must be possible. xx
Maxabella says
It’s possible! We just need to learn that the horse won’t bolt if we drop the reins for a moment!!! x
Jodi Gibson (JF Gibson Writer) says
Bron, this post warms my heart. Simple, slow and purposeful. Yes. x
Maxabella says
The reward from doing these simple things has been huge. A big lesson for me!! x
Ellen @ Potential Psychology says
That all sounds just glorious Bron. I’m jealous! (and you’ve reminded me that i should do a little bit of that too). Thank you!
Maxabella says
We can all do a little something each day, Ellen. I now feel that if I can’t make time for these lovely moments, what’s it all for?? x
Kelly Exeter says
Oh wow – what a lovely week B!! Almost staycation like! I’ve actually had a fairly good week – sick and all. maybe being sick forced me to slow down a bit!
Maxabella says
Not good that you’re sick, but yes to slowing down!! I only slowed a little for a little each day… and it made a massive difference. x
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
Wonderful to hear that you listened to the clues Bron and slowed things down for a bit and took care of yourself and it’s such a great idea to commit to continuing to incorporate one small meaningful thing in each day for yourself. 🙂 xo
Maxabella says
I like that, Min: one small meaningful thing each day. Yes to that! x
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I really need to start doing these things too. I love the idea of 3 things to do each day – makes everything seem so much more achievable and not so overwhelming. Oh what I would give for a pamper day, but I doubt the 2yr old would be having any of that.
Maxabella says
The 3 things is excellent, Toni. And eve. Though a Ferris day is probably out of the question for you right now, a Ferris nap time might do it? No chores. Just relaxing!! x
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
It must be in the stars. I have been feeling a bit the same. Time to slow down and take care. I think that is one of the big things I walked away with from ProBlogger. I need to value my time more. Work smarter not harder and allow for life to inspire me.
Maxabella says
“Value my time more” can sometimes mean just appreciating the moments, not rushing to fill them. x
Helen K says
How lovely is that? Hopefully you can retain some of those elements that keep your life enjoyable x
Maxabella says
I am absolutely going to try. x
Charlene says
Your week sounds lovely Bron! I too love the idea of do three things…Tonight I got to sit back and observe my daughter cook dinner for us. She did a great job.
Have a fabulous weekend.
PS: This weekend I am seeing my Nana and can’t wait to get a four-generation photo for #inthepicture!
Maxabella says
I cannot wait to see that photo, Charlene. You are SO lucky to have four generations still with us. x
Shannon@ my2morrows says
Oh this sounds divine Bron. I really need a Ferris Day! I woke this morn with that itch in my throat like I’m about to come down with something. It’s been a huge week! Must slow down! Happy wkend to you xx
Maxabella says
I haaaaate that feeling – it’s one of sheer dread because you just know something is coming. Mainline the echinacea and oranges and hopefully you can ward it off!! x
Jody at Six Little Hearts says
I miss walking my kids to school so much! I can’t wait to move house and hopefully be close enough to a school to enjoy this simple pleasure. Have a lovely weekend! Xx
Maxabella says
It truly is a simple pleasure, Jody. I wish I could do it more often (the kids walk home regularly, but the morning to school is something we do together.) x
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
Lovely post Bron and good on you for slowing down, I so need to do that too, maybe after the move I can take some time out. I love that you had a Ferris day x
Maxabella says
After the move you can start as you mean to go on! And the main thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t have to be a big ‘time out’, the little things we do for ourselves each day add up in wonderful ways too. x
Sasha @ From the Left Field says
Sounds wonderful! It’s rough that it takes us pushing ourselves to the limit to stop and take some time out sadly, isn’t it? Yoga has been on my to-do list for years now…. I really should make it a reality! x
Maxabella says
Do it, Sasha! Or not. I am declaring that anything on my To Do list for longer than 6 months without action is obviously NOT something i actually need or want to To Do!! x
Zoe Meunier says
What lovely things to do… and sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Yoga has really been beckoning to me lately, but having had a head full of snot for the last MONTH anything that involves my head in a downward position is out for now! My thoughts on Max’s drum lessons… do you have a place for him to practice that’s far, far away from the rest of the house? If not, you may live to regret it!
Maxabella says
I was thinking those electric drums with headphones? Or something. I think if Max takes up the drums we are ALL going to need them!
I can’t believe you still have that awful cold. Poor Zoe. 🙁
x
Lauren @ The Thud says
You are a wise woman Bron. And it sounds like a glorious week. I always make sure I give myself half an hour to sit and have a cup of tea before I do the daycare pick up. It keeps me sane. It always feels indulgent but I never feel guilty about it. Everyone needs some time off now and then.
Maxabella says
Guilty? Pah! You’re a bloody wise woman yourself. That hour a day is a marvellous idea. x
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
Sounds like a wonderful week Bron – and I’m all for a “sometimes food” activity every so often! I really do need to make a better effort in the mornings to look after myself (it’s more about getting the tornadoes sorted and us out in the door in time!). Good luck with those drum lessons – he’ll love it 🙂
Maxabella says
I know the feeling about the rushed mornings. I had to barricade myself inside and the kids outside to get that peaceful porridge moment. It was worth it.
And yes, I’m sure MAX will!! :/
Helen K says
I’m jumping back on, and hoping not being greedy sharing two posts – but I should have included the Oxfam one (please consider this, anyone reading, if you get the chance to be involved in a Trailwalker – it is so worthwhile, and for such a great cause!)
And having just read your link to Zen Habits, I’m kicking myself not to have got my act into gear and registered to hear Mt Zen Habits, Leo Babauta, speak this week as part of the writers’ festival here (but loving the link, and hoping there will be lots of feedback from his sessions). Instead, I will take things easier on Sunday (probably a good thing, I guess).
Maxabella says
I ALMOST travelled to Melbourne just to hear him talk, Helen. Just immerse yourself in his site instead – it’s my form of meditation. x
PS – I’m a volunteer at Trailwalker Sydney this coming weekend. I’m doing the 7pm – 3am shift… I can’t complain as it sure beats walking for 29 hours…
Helen K says
Hope you enjoyed it! x
Lydia C. Lee says
I love that quote – I have a few friends going thru MAJOR upheaval, and it’s perfect for them. Go you on the lego – as a lego fan, you may be interested in this (I’m a Little Prince fan, so no relationship with any of this except I’d like to see it made – they need another 1038 votes to make it a reality!!) https://ideas.lego.com/projects/50323
Maxabella says
Oh that’s so good – they will have my vote for sure!
I love that quote too, it’s a new one for me and one I have taken to heart. Have a great week, Lydia. x
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
Lovely post Bron. I got a beauty spa voucher for my birthday and I’m so looking forward to using it! Just a dedicated space in time for me. Lovely!
Maxabella says
Wonderful gift – that’s the whole reason I was there last Wednesday: the hubs gave me a voucher for my birthday too. It was BLISS! x
Robyna | The Mummy & The Minx says
Beautiful and important things to commit to. I think I need to do that too. Thanks so much for including my post amongst the PB wrap ups.
Maxabella says
Well it was rather fabulous, Robyna. x
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I loved reading this post Bron. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Hehehe I get so bored at the hairdressers too!! Have a great weekend with your family xx
Maxabella says
I honestly don’t know why women seem to love it. I just mustn’t have enough in common with my hairdresser?!? x
Holly says
Good for you! We all need to take a little time for ourselves, especially when we are parents!
Maxabella says
Definitely. Why do we make that such a hard thing to do?!?!
Julie @ Off to the park says
Hi Bron! Its so nice to be able to access your blog! What a lovely week you’ve had. Your day off sounded fantastic! Lately I have been sitting in the afternoon sunshine with Cherub colouring in before we head off to pick Popette up from school, its such a nice way for us to spend time together before the after school craziness. xx
Maxabella says
Hello! Did you get the ‘thing’ sorted? I’m happy to see you!
Your afternoon routine sounds so lovely, Julie. These moments are what make our days. x
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
So good to hear Bron. I’m sure you’re feeling all the better for it. It’s so easy to put ourselves on the bottom of the priority list and it catches up with us eventually. Really we need to be number one-ish so that we can keep the going going for everyone in the household and not let the bundle drop. I love the idea of your day off midweek. How I’d love to see a movie and meander at my own pace!
Maxabella says
I think I was in the habit of thinking that I didn’t actually need to pause for the moments, Vicki. I have learned that I was very wrong. Go see Trainwrecked… that could be your movie. I loved it (bit dirty though!!!) x
jess says
Fantastic! I loved that you could feel like you’ve had a holiday by just slowing down and doing the things that bring you joy and calm in your daily life. We could all learn to do this more.
Maxabella says
I am learning to do this more myself. Each day, a little something. I’m going to record it for a week or two on Facey, I think. x
KezUnprepared says
I’m so glad you found some time for some self care 🙂
Maxabella says
Me too, Kez. So needed. x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Seems like you have had a wonderful week, I hope it continues for you. xx
Maxabella says
Thanks Malinda – I am hoping to at least keep up my ‘one thing each day’ momentum. It has been so nice. x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Bron if we’re not kind to ourselves we won’t have the energy to be kind to those around us. I’m working on saying no work I need or want and that frees me up a lot so I can enjoy time with my kids instead of fitting it in. Happy weekend x
Maxabella says
Saying ‘no’ is the first big one to overcome. It was for me. I’ve become much better at no and then ‘yes’ to the things that matters. x
di @ studio10creative says
Your week sounds perfect Bron. I think we all need to take time to slow down and enjoy a little more. Working with just 3 things on your to do list certainly gives you a sense of accomplishment. Good luck with the drum lessons. He’ll love it. You, maybe not so much 😉
Maxabella says
This is what I’m afraid of, Di… the noise is already too great around here! x
Bec @ The Plumbette says
That’s a good reminder for me there to take time for myself. I feel like I can now that Phoebe is one. I’m glad you have been able to spend some time on you. I felt good just reading your post! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend Bron. X
Maxabella says
Can’t believe little Phoebe is already 1, Bec. It totally makes a difference, no doubt about it. I always tried to make nap time my time… no chores, just naps for me or quiet time. x
Seana says
Drums lessons are an excellent plan. Can I recommend electronic drums rather than the real thing. Hard won lesson.
Must have been a phase of the moon. I had a mental health day last week – hot yoga and walk with an old pal. Lifesaver! Hope weekend is good for you and yours.
Maxabella says
“Mental health day” – I like it! And electric is a definite – I don’t think I could handle Max learning on a the loud ones!!! x
Claire Chadwick: Mum's Closet Blog says
Oh Bron.
I love this!
It truly is these little things (oooh and that pamper day sounds pretty darn good) that make ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the way we feel, look and live. Thank you for the reminder, you gorgeous Lady!!
Cx
Maxabella says
I need the reminder for meeeeee! I am so bad at falling off the wagon. I think sometimes I think I don’t actually need the little moments, but that is so far from the truth. We all need the moments! Have a lovely week, Claire. x
Kathy says
Glad you had a great recharge week and am taking the recharging ideas into the future. I think going to Problogger cemented for me that I can’t (and shouldn’t) treat blogging like a business while I am committed to other work (four days) and yoga. It is just too much. So I’m hastening slowly with the blog. PS glad you are back enjoying yoga.
Maxabella says
I thought you’d be happy to see the yoga in there, Kathy. And yes to the ‘blog as business’ – I learned this lesson many years ago. I don’t make money from my blog, it is a hobby and thus I have learned to treat it as such. Not too much time, but just enough for me to enjoy myself and create some meaningul connections that matter. x
Erin says
Cheated this week and shared two, mostly cause I’m darn excited about one and the other, I want help in designing my kitchen if anyone has ideas, I’m all ears.
Do take care and nurture yourself, most important xx
Maxabella says
You’re up to the kitchen! That’s so exciting! I have an idea, but I will visit your post to share it, rather than here. x
Kim-Marie, Chief Dreamer at Kimba Likes says
I’m rather partial to a drummer – they’re so much cooler than the lead singer, usually. Unless, you know, Dave Grohl.
Interested in your LEGO Instruction thingummy. I just tidied up the toy cupboard. A walk in understairs cupboard, much like Harry Potter’s room, that was so packed I couldn’t even step in it.
I popped all of the LEGO instruction booklets into a plastic box with a lid. Those things are valuable, baby!
Maxabella says
I always watched the drummer too, Kim-Marie. They were really the one in charge, despite what the dude prancing around out the front might have thought. I think part of my hesitation for Max to get into drumming is the bloody responsibility that comes hand in hand with it. I really need to trust that boy more!!!
Have a fab week and store the LEGO booklets well. Otherwise it’s just a big pile of grey blocks these days!!! x
Becky from BeckyandJames says
I just love to hear about people taking such beautiful care of themselves! I think I need to take some time to do the same for myself.
And, I say a big YES to drum lessons. My dad plays (and teaches) and they’ve always been such a huge part of my life and he even used to play them to put my brother to sleep (he has an amazing ability to play them softly). I would totally let my kids learn if we lived near my dad.
sarah@Tomfo says
I love that you took time for yourself this week, I’m booking that in for me this weekend.
De cluttering is on my list to do too, thanks for the reminder.
I know once it’s done, I will feel all awesome about it!
I’m putting it on my list to do and not in my head anymore.
Have a fab week lovely lady. x
Hugzilla says
Oh LOL! Thanks for sharing my post. I was super-disappointed that you weren’t attending this year. Fingers crossed for 2016 x
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids says
Thank you for the inspiration to take some time out. I keep thinking I should stop everything half an hour before pick up just to sit and read. I think it would be a positive step to take a breath before the after-school chaos begins. I’ve tried it, but it is not yet a habit. I will try again.