Creating Time by Doing Less

I have the tendency to overfill my schedule. I've worked hard these last couple years to scale back because a "fried" mom is not a good mom.  I know it's been an overbooked day when my house is a mess, I have take out packaging from a meal we had to eat on the fly, and all I want to do is just veg out after the kids are down.  Sound familiar?

Yesterday evening, I had planned on going to our town's "Shiver by the River" festival.  I had it all mapped out on what to see and at what time.  We'd be drinking hot chocolate, riding the trolley, watching ice carvers, listening to a jazz group, eating some spicy food, and enjoy watching the ice skaters having fun.  These were all evening activities.

Once we had sat down at the dinner table, it was clear that my "big plans" were probably not going to work out like I had planned.  Brian had come home late, Rita Clare kept dodging her dinner and trying to duck under the table (her new hiding spot these days), and I was starting to get grumpy.  Instead of fighting Rita Clare to eat her dinner so we could go and pushing Brian into changing out of his work clothes so we could head out, I (well, Brian and I) decided it would be best if I just took Tyler.

We had a ball.  I knew that I wouldn't be doing nearly as much as I plotted out and accepted this change.  In fact, I embraced it.  Instead of locking him into a stroller and making sure we did everything, I planned for him to walk at his pace and just enjoy our time together.  I became present to our moments, instead of sticking to a plan.  So simple, yet sometimes so challenging for me.

We shared hot chocolate at our South Bend Chocoloate Company.  Yes, it was absolutely delicious!

Then we happened to be near a trolley stop and took a ride to where the ice sculptures were being displayed.  This was definitely a highlight for Tyler who's recent favorite song is "The Wheels on the Bus".  He kept saying "Weeeee!" I love how it brought joy to all those around us.

After our final trolley ride back from the display, we headed back to the car.  Nothing too big, yet it was about an hour and a half of great quality time.  With 2 small kids in tow, I have to make it a priority to spend one-on-one time with each of them at least weekly.  With Rita Clare now at home more often, I've been trying for good daily time.  It helps both of us to connect.

Have you had some quality moments lately?  We'd love to hear them!

Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com , ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 574.275.1235