Time for Me?

As a SAHM there are several things that I encounter.  Are the kids fed? Are they dressed appropriately (and I only say that because JJ is messy and sometimes MJ's clothes are too small!)? What are we having for dinner?  Are the clothes washed?  When was the last time I cleaned the bathrooms?

Yea - lots of questions on a daily basis.  But, do any of them really deal with me?  Sometimes, but often they are not the priority.

I was reminded this while I was blow-drying my hair out this afternoon while MJ was napping and JJ was watching a show.  I sat down at my sink and right there next to it was this:

What is that - I'm sure you're asking.  Well, its my running clothes.  I put those there so when my alarm goes off every morning at 7am they are ready for me.  Problem is, they've been there for weeks, untouched.

This last week I have been really feeling the lack of 'me' time.  And this really isn't anyone's fault, and yes I know that's what its like when you have kids.  But its been bothering me that I cannot get my butt out of bed at 7am to spend 30-45 minutes taking care of myself.  I miss running.  That sounds so pathetic saying.  But I do.  I checked my Runkeeper app on my phone and the last time I went for a run was May 10th.  Yes - you read that right, MAY 10! Over a month ago.  I was on such a good schedule, running 3-4 times a week and feeling good about what I was doing.  And now I can't even manage one day. Again, no one's fault but my own.

I think about how much happier I might be (not saying that I'm not happy now, but that extra energy would really help).  I like the sense of accomplishment with running, a feeling I don't get doing anything else.  I push myself when I run to another level that I can't accomplish cooking or cleaning. 

I think as SAHM's we often feel this way.  That there is something in our lives that we just don't have time for.  As we become engrossed in the everyday activities of living with family/kids we sometimes put ourselves at the bottom of the priority list. 

And its ok to say that's ok. Its not the end of the world and some day soon I might have time for the things that interest me.  My number one priority right now is raising to healthy, God-loving, children that understand how much we are blessed.  Sometimes I feel like God definitely made sure I that I would stay busy, but my kids are wonderful and I am very thankful for those two.  All I have to do is read Proverbs 31: 10-31 for a map of my days and remember I am blessed with a great family.  And to remember, its not all about me.