The art of time-out

Published on 19 November 2022 at 10:56

A very long time ago we discovered my husband had a brain tumor. He had surgery to remove it, but he ended up needing two other surgeries because of complications, it was a horrific time between November 2009-October 2011 and that is not counting the start of 2009 when he was exhibiting behaviors unlike him and went from 200 lbs. to 127 lbs. in a matter of months. I was a wife that became a care giver and I was not prepared for what we were facing. It’s all good now, he is well, but I remember a good friend of mine asking during his healing time what I was doing for me. I think I looked at her blankly and answered I wasn’t doing anything – I had no time for me when there were all kinds of real (and imagined) monsters around the corner – I lived in fear and probably busyness was a distraction. She advised that if I could steal away for one hour – even per week, go somewhere that made me happy, to make that time. Best advice I ever got and fully took in.

Skip forward and on the other side of a very busy 3 years where I had a full time job, a second job, visiting my mom every day in the nursing home and other things I allowed, I have developed purposeful time to get away – even if it’s 1/2 hour to read a magazine, to dance, to develop recipes, or to go to a garden center to stroll around, it is not a luxury but a necessity.

We tend to put off our own needs and I am suggesting this should be thrust to the fore in order to remain balanced and healthy. To consider our feelings and needs, to listen to what we think of ourselves, and make adjustments to seek help if our view of ourselves is off. You were created with the real you in mind. If you don’t know who you are or if you don’t like you, begin to ask where that comes from. If I can help you, please let me know. It’s really important. The world needs you.

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