Me time

 As I watch others that I have worked with during the years get together, enjoy themselves with an evening out, I used to get jealous. For mothers of Special Needs children know that me time is just a dream. Professionals would tell me, you need some me time. Take care of you, for who will your children have if something happens to you. Unfortunately the only me time I ever got was a nice hot bubble bath for maybe 15 mins. Until I would hear a voice at the door, “mom, when are you getting out?” But I did enjoy my 15 mins. Some would say take a walk, but what they didn’t understand was that if I did take a walk my kids would follow, then fight with each other, so much for me time lol.

I have listened to a lot of people talk about me time, I didn’t really know what it was all about until lately. Now that my oldest son is almost 18 he is finally becoming more independent and my youngest is 13, Me time might finally be here! I was quite shocked by it actually, it sort of snuck up on me. Being so involved with my children over the years, it was unusual to be, alone. I found myself not knowing what exactly to do. Should I do something productive like laundry? or should I veg out and watch a movie? Feeling the urge to get caught up on household duties, my me time turned out to be less than exhilarating. Before I knew it my boys would be bounding through the door, demanding food, and retelling their eventful day to me.

I have grown accustomed to my Me time and find things that I enjoy. My husband and I have discovered our time and have had “Dates” again after 18 years of marriage.

Me time, such small words, but can make such an impact on ones wellbeing. I know that is what everyone was talking about. But for those of us who are caregivers of Special Needs children our me time may have to wait. I think it makes me appreciate my Me time that much more now.

Denise