It had been a long day at work, and I knew I needed to rush back home to look after the kids. The work day still on my mind, still going through my to-do-list, I arrived home – only to find my kids flying at me, starting to throw their demands at me immediately. Mom, look at this; mom, I want to eat something; mom, today in school… And all I could think was: leave me alone! Can’t you see I’m just coming in from work, and I need a break?
But of course the reality is that no, our kids don’t know this, and even if they did, should they be responsible for giving us a break when they are excited to see us and have their own priorities on their mind? What I was really doing was prioritizing my work over my kids. I had spent all the (mental) energy I could spent on my work, and I had not taken the responsibility to replenish this before going home and being with my kids. This was on me.
It has taken me long enough to learn this, but I know it now: I am responsible for making sure I have enough energy left for the things (or people!) that matter to me the most. And it means I am responsible for making my own, conscious, choices in this. Long day in work? Ok, then I better make sure I make time and space for a proper break, feeding my body the proper nutrients it needs and going for a walk outside, so I can truly give my head a break from my work environment and allow it some time to process the day so far. Driving back home? I leave the radio off so I’m not adding more “noise” to my head, but instead again allow it some time to process the day so far. The result? More headspace by the time I come home and start “my second job of the day” (recognizable, moms?). Again, it is not up to my kids to provide me with a break (although sure, there can be boundaries ), but up to me to make sure I divide my energy over the day, so there is enough of me left by the time I come home to my family.
Ready to take charge of your own time and energy? I’m here to help!
