The Evolving Homemaker

I have noticed lately that there is a definite rhythm to when and how I work best.

Last night I was on a cleaning spree after dinner and realized that I actually like to clean best at night.  Sort of a way to wrap up the loose ends of the day.  Or get focused on something that will show instant results after a day filled with plenty of things, none of which show instant results.

I like to sleep in in the morning.  I don’t like to get up early.  I can make myself.  But then I need a nap.  Naps are hard to take when you are a Mom.  Of kids.  Who also have activities in the afternoons.  And since I haven’t had coffee in exactly 36 days, that isn’t going to be helpful anymore.

I like to read before bed.  And nothing else.  It calms me down and rests my brain enough to get a good nights sleep.  It eases me into my zzz’s the way the campfire did for our ancestors.  This way I am not thinking of 100 cool things I want to try that I just saw on Pinterest.  Or all the blog posts I could write.  Or, the pages in the book I should have elaborated on.  Nope, just a bit or a reprieve from my life before lights out.

I enjoy having less on my schedule.  I have been allowing the flurry of activities slowly to dissipate over the last month or so and am just beginning to feel the benefits.  More time for me.  More time for the kids.  I am calmer and not always frazzled trying to get it all in.  And I am finding things I want to do and actually know that I have time to do them now.

I think it has taken another reality check with my health to really stop and ask myself if I am being mindful of what nurtures me or am I ignoring that and plowing through just. to. keep. going.   I am lucky enough to be one that can actually follow her rhythms.  I don’t have to race out to a job at 6 AM.  I don’t have to clean on another persons time table.  Of course my husband would beg to differ…but in reading a book about adrenal fatigue she really suggested that you find your rhythms and stick to them as often as you can.

I think in our society we have so gotten away from the natural rhythm of things.  The seasons.  Our own clocks.  Family time.  We ignore our kids personal rhythms.  We have even dropped away from the rhythm of our own breath.  I know I have.

January is not YET the season of action.  You feel as if you need to move because you have just made a few resolutions you are ready to get started on.  But this time of year is still begging us to remain going within for just a little bit longer.  The days getting longer slowly ease us back into activity, they don’t throw us back in on January 1st because we decide to lose weight, or be more adventurous, or get over our fears.  So maybe, just for now, as we edge out of our winter cocoons, we can take some time to be mindful of what our own natural cycles are and nurture them.  Love them.  Honor them.  Accept them as part of the gift we are to ourselves, and to those around us.

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