Over the weekend, I got to spend 26 hours by myself. Matt was away at a work conference and my parents had the kids. For the first time in over 6 years, I could spend an entire day and night doing whatever I wanted. How did I spend my time? I ordered new cell phones, changed our home phone plan, worked on a website for a client, made out Christmas wish lists, did a little online Christmas shopping, went to dinner and a movie with friends, had breakfast with another friend, slept in, and watched whatever TV I wanted. It. Was. Awesome.
I know some of those tasks may not sound like the most glorious way to spend all that time I had to myself. But, if I would have attempted to do those things, while juggling the kids, it would’ve taken me a week (or longer) to get through that task list. It’s amazing how productive I can be when I’m not interrupted every five minutes.
After my blissful time alone came to a close, I played the solo parent role for 2.5 days. Let me just say, being able to recharge and renew myself before going it alone was of great benefit…to everyone involved. Of course, I was still tracking my husband’s flight home, refreshing every 5 to 10 minutes to make sure he was making it home as scheduled. And, now exhausted from my solo gig, I could use another 24 (or more) hours to myself, but I’m sure that won’t be attainable for a very long time, especially not with a baby on the way.
Alone time is something I previously took for granted. Being an introvert, I need that space to myself. When I became a freelancer over 6 years ago, I reveled in spending each day by myself with limited or intermittent adult contact. Now, I’ve entered a season in my life when that same solitude is not realistic. Is it a struggle for me? Absolutely. But, thankfully I have people around me who lend a helping hand…like my parents who took the kids overnight, my father-in-law who has become a somewhat of a part-time babysitter for us, my brother-in-law who took Jonas to school in the morning and of course my husband…when he’s not hundreds of miles away. Thankfully that happens quite rarely, but those 2.5 days made me realize how blessed I am to have him.
With all that said, here’s hoping it’s not another 6+ years before I get a full 24 or more hours to myself. In peace. And solitude. Doing only what I want. Even if it’s chatting with an AT&T salesperson.
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