We are on school holidays here. I find it hard to switch gears but am aware that, thanks to having kids, I am forced sometimes to slow down and I appreciate this side benefit of parenting. It starts from the very beginning if we let kids run the show every now and then.
When you decide to walk to the park instead of drive – the 5 minute walk actually takes 20 thanks to being taken on a sightseeing tour you did not know you had signed up for. There are leaves, flowers and pebbles to pick up, dogs to say hello to and so much more to take in. This is not a journey from A to B, but rather a journey in its truest sense.
When you are baking to (practically) stock your freezer with muffins for lunch boxes – there is no rush to clean up when there are spoons and bowls to lick and a window in the oven door to stare at, literally watching things rise.
When you are cold on a Winter day and the little people set the pace, lingering in bed for a cuddle or under blankets on the sofa. The need to get things “done” falls by the wayside and you finally just ”are”.
When you are creating and crafting there is no need to stop for dinner or bedtime, those can wait until stomachs are rumbling or eyelids droop. There is no rush to the next thing as you savour this thing for as long as you want.
I sometimes find my heart rate going too fast and my thoughts all in a jumble as I get tangled in my own rush and madness. I appreciate these breaks in our routine to laze about, paint my nails (which requires actually sitting still), dozing in a recliner listening to 4 CDs straight of a “Famous Five” story and daydreaming of our own adventures.
Do you slow down during the holidays or find yourself cramming in lots of activity (or, like us, somewhere in the middle)?
Find your simple,
Deb
Linking up with Jess for IBOT – go check out all the awesomeness.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I have learnt to slow down recently and it makes such a difference. I love taking the pressure off myself for a bit and just enjoying the girls. Rachel xx
Rachel recently posted..I been screwed…
My kids aren’t at school-age yet, so the holidays don’t really make much diffence. I find it hard to find the balance though in my normal weeks, to ‘get things done’ vs ‘slow down with the kids’. THe kids are with me nearly all the time, so have to constantly make the choice. It’s a hard one, and I’m learning to have the ‘slow days’ as well as the ‘mad rush to get things done’ days whilst kids entertain themselves (or at least I try to get them to …).
Hayley @ HappyHouseWifey recently posted..And mummy is now awake.
I definitely love to slow down on the holidays. All of my son’s therapy appointments stop too, so we take the chance to have a big rest.
I actually played a board game with the boys yesterday, which i haven’t done for ages! It was so enjoyable!
Tracey @ Bliss Amongst Chaos recently posted..Things I Know ~ Mum’s Are Naughty too!
I’m loving the slower pace of the holidays – although this last week of them will be busy for us. It’s also nice to just slow down and see things from our kid’s perspectives.
Debbie @ Aspiring Mum recently posted..Of Happy Hats
I’m relishing the slowing down that is taking place in our home, even though the reality is that it’s more ‘one day of play-dates and small trips’ and ‘one day of lounging around home and leisurely starts to the day’. I can feel that I am just beginning to relax internally and it feels like just the ticket!
kirri recently posted..Dancing in circles
It’s so nice to center yourself and let what ever happens happens. I think those are the most enjoyable moments in my day, rare but so, so enjoyable. I can just forget about everything but the moment I’m in. Bliss.
Penny recently posted..The Birthing Suite – The Ending
We are somewhere in the middle. Still full of activity but at a slower pace with no worry of time.
Enjoy the break
Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses #TeamIBOT
Rhianna recently posted..Getting to Know Eamon Sullivan’s Mum
I don’t have children yet but I can appreciate how amazing it is to slow down and smell the roses as such. You have written it so wonderfully.
Stopping in from over at #IBOT
Meagan recently posted..The one where I have no idea what to say..
the past few weekends we’ve been packed with a lot of things like gatherings, blog events, family photoshoot etc. last weekend we finally had nothing planned and it was soooo relaxing just to sit back and really just enjoy the moment. I love times like these just spending time with the family..
Ai Sakura recently posted..Little Girls Hairstyles: Braids #1
I am on a rare break from work (6 weeks off recovering from surgery) and I am really enjoying the slower pace of life, and being home on the hols with my 18 & 15 year olds! Wish I could do it more often
Janet recently posted..I liked her better BEFORE …
My little ones haven’t started school so the only difference for me is less trafic on the roads! I do love that Simon and Garfunckle song though! we used to sing it at school
Catherine Rodie Blagg (Cup of Tea and a Blog) recently posted..“Put down the Nutella" . . . and other diet tips
I am a cram it all in kinda girl!
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..Welcome Missy and Moo
It depends on what we are doing. If I ‘travel’ somewhere, then I have to be doing a bazillion things. If we are at home, I definitely potter!
Thanks for visiting ladies – to take my slowing down even more seriously my 7yo woke up feeling sick so have been dealing with vomit, cuddles and napping (including me since she did not want to be apart from me at all today). Hope to find time soon to visit your lovely blogs this week when she is feeling better – Happy IBOT to those participating xx
Debra Dane recently posted..7 top tips to organise your family
We’re all fairly slow-moving in the holidays. As long as the kids have something to do each day, they’re happy to just kick back.
Jayne recently posted..the best part of her day
I’m enjoying the break and the relief of not always having to be somewhere.
I’m still a real stickler for trying to keep bed time normal, but it’s good to know that if we don’t for one night, the next day won’t be horrific.
Jess recently posted..Time for a Giggle
It’s definitely takes me some self awareness to let go of the feeling of needing to move and that the place that you are in right now is the right one. And practice. I am getting there.
Four CD’s of the Famous Five!! That’s commitment for you! x
Lee recently posted..The blah and the blog – this should come with a blah warning
I love this Debs, my niece has been staying with us for almost 3 weeks, it’s been non-stop, plus we’ve been busy with the usual end of term activities. I am completely frazzled!
I am looking forward to having absolutely no schedule next week, simply playing at home, crafting and maybe just one day at the beach – that will do.
I just want to be… and so do my children.
Thank you x