“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. You are connected to your child and to all those who touch your lives. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”- Sophia Loren
But what happens when you’re on a flight? Prior to take-off, one is always advised in case of an emergency to put your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others.
As a mother, you are always helping your child first. I can imagine if there was an emergency, moms would adeptly be able to simultaneously put their masks on and their kids’ masks on. It seems as each month goes by with a little one, there are more things you get better at with multitasking.
Obviously there must be some logic in putting your mask on first, or putting your needs first. You’ve got to help yourself first before helping others. Make sure you’re ok. Breathe. Then serve.
I noticed when Z was all accessorized down to her hair bow and shoes whereas I would be out of the house without any accessories that I wasn’t putting my mask on first. Now I just keep a handful of colourful bangles (aka Oxygen mask) in my car so I can keep up with Z’s fashion (even if hers is put on first!). It is oh-so-easy to put your children first. You don’t even realize you’re doing it. You don’t even think about it. Motherhood is a job. It becomes you. Defines you.
But then we read articles and hear people say that we’ve got to have ‘me time.’ Which means? I bet even Webster has trouble defining that term. Even when the baby’s napping, and you attempt a nap too, you never know when the alarm clock (aka baby) will be set off.
I remember having high hopes and being set on getting my ‘me time.’ A few months back, I felt extra artsy and painting-ish so took Z out on the deck and got to paint some canvases. The story behind them is that they were done in a great hurry with Z strapped into her blue recliner chair. I did let her out which then led to her picking up my tubes of paint and getting v.offended(lower lip thrust out with big teary eyes) when she wasn’t allowed to touch them. So as you can imagine, my ‘me time’ was v.much interrupted. But whenever I look at my painting, I smilingly remember the story behind the painting, interruptions and all.
So to all the articles and whatever I’ve heard, I really don’t know if I will get the aforesaid ‘ 100% me time.’ I might get a few snippets here or there, and will cherish them, but I have a hunch I’ll be cherishing my ‘Us Time’ more.
Doodling Through Life 
Excellent job, Reemy and very well-said too! Totally agree with your last sentence too : )
Thanks Slmy!! 🙂
love this post;)
Thanks! 🙂 it was fun to write!
Great! And lovely paintings. I discovered you through Agrigirl–a former student of mine! Looking forward to getting more time to tune in.
Great that you discovered me :). Keep tuning in!
Thank you for visiting my blog! I’ll enjoy perusing yours too.
As my boys get older, I begin to need more “me time,” yet I get less of it. I still enjoy the together time just as much. But I’d probably be less cranky at times if I had a little more “me time.” 🙂
Me time is essential! I seem to only get mine when z is sleeping though 🙂
Do keep stopping by 🙂
Me time? We’re supposed to get that? ; ) Your paintings are beautiful.
I know, right? I only get it when she sleeps in the night. Thanks for the compliment. I need to do some more paintings!
gorgeous paintings! You and I must have similar taste, because I was so close to switching to this blog template. 🙂
Thanks! I just rechecked out your blog. I LOVE your photography so yay if we’re similar 🙂
I know how this one feels. I don’t get very much “me” time. I find that when he’s napping I either a)nap myself (which I call catching up on sleep, not “me” time) or b) work (clean, etc). So, not much “me” time going on here either. But, I LOVE the time spent with I get with my little man! It’s so precious and I wouldn’t trade it for all the “me” time in the world!
So true! 🙂 Enjoy your time!
Your daughter is blessed to have such a loving and creative Mom! Your paintings are divine and sense of color is wonderful. I couldn’t agree more about putting on your oxygen mask–you are her template now. She is learning how to be just from watching you.
Thanks :)! I love colour. I know it’s scary we have to be good role models!
wonderful blog and artwork…beautiful!
Thanks :). Happy you like it!