For probably the first time in my entire life, I am finally taking the time to decompress from crisis mode.
And I like it.
In the past, whenever we would deal with some major stress in life, my husband and I would jump back into all of the minor stresses in life as soon as the major one was out of the way. We didn't stop to eat, sleep, or think, let alone come down off the adrenaline. Needless to say, it was just a matter of time before we turned on each other, as a way to relieve stress. Let's just say that kind of behavior has a terrible effect on a marriage. Our sad joke was that we were a great team during crisis, but we would ruin everything during the "easy" times.
I refused to follow that same trend this time around.
This time, I decided to eat, sleep, pray, think, play, and rest.
For the past 4 days, I have taken at least 2-3 naps a day. I did very little chores. Actually, I just finished unloading the suitcases last night. Our friends provided us with meals, so I did no cooking either. I let the kids snack a lot. I only bathed the dirtiest children, when the timing was easy each day. (I did oversee them brushing their teeth, washing their hands, and brushing their hair every day). I pulled down the futon in the living room, and let the older kids have a slumber party each night. I let them pick out their own clothes, including letting them wear pajamas all day long. I had the kids help me straighten the living room and dining room on Saturday and Sunday. Other than that, the house was a cluttered mess, with suitcases, clothes, shoes, and toys everywhere. I didn't mind. I knew it was temporary.
The Referee made a large to-do list and was ready to tackle the world. He was not planning to decompress at all. We got into a large argument immediately. Our resolution included a much smaller to-do list, of the most crucial of tasks (such as towing the broken car to the mechanic, calling the vet about the sick dog, and hooking up the air conditioning). When those items were complete, I suggested The Referee take the time to decompress. He asked for clarification for what that was?
Then, he took a 3 hour nap! The rest of the to-do list was ignored. It is better that way.
We did not keep our usual routine over the past 4 days. But, the family is better rested, better bonded, and more relaxed. We had a lot of fun and games with the kids. We have been celebrating just how far we have come this month....and every ounce of strength that Jersey #2 has gained with each passing day. We are blessed.
I have been taking the time to reflect on my priorities. Spending the weekend in quarantine, keeping away from the public germs in an attempt to keep Jersey #2 from coming down sick, has helped me tune out the world, and focus. I have just experienced one of those pivotal moments in life, when it becomes crystal clear what truly matters. I do not want to lose this lesson, so I am paying close attention to that still, small voice.
And I like it.
In the past, whenever we would deal with some major stress in life, my husband and I would jump back into all of the minor stresses in life as soon as the major one was out of the way. We didn't stop to eat, sleep, or think, let alone come down off the adrenaline. Needless to say, it was just a matter of time before we turned on each other, as a way to relieve stress. Let's just say that kind of behavior has a terrible effect on a marriage. Our sad joke was that we were a great team during crisis, but we would ruin everything during the "easy" times.
I refused to follow that same trend this time around.
This time, I decided to eat, sleep, pray, think, play, and rest.
For the past 4 days, I have taken at least 2-3 naps a day. I did very little chores. Actually, I just finished unloading the suitcases last night. Our friends provided us with meals, so I did no cooking either. I let the kids snack a lot. I only bathed the dirtiest children, when the timing was easy each day. (I did oversee them brushing their teeth, washing their hands, and brushing their hair every day). I pulled down the futon in the living room, and let the older kids have a slumber party each night. I let them pick out their own clothes, including letting them wear pajamas all day long. I had the kids help me straighten the living room and dining room on Saturday and Sunday. Other than that, the house was a cluttered mess, with suitcases, clothes, shoes, and toys everywhere. I didn't mind. I knew it was temporary.
The Referee made a large to-do list and was ready to tackle the world. He was not planning to decompress at all. We got into a large argument immediately. Our resolution included a much smaller to-do list, of the most crucial of tasks (such as towing the broken car to the mechanic, calling the vet about the sick dog, and hooking up the air conditioning). When those items were complete, I suggested The Referee take the time to decompress. He asked for clarification for what that was?
Then, he took a 3 hour nap! The rest of the to-do list was ignored. It is better that way.
We did not keep our usual routine over the past 4 days. But, the family is better rested, better bonded, and more relaxed. We had a lot of fun and games with the kids. We have been celebrating just how far we have come this month....and every ounce of strength that Jersey #2 has gained with each passing day. We are blessed.
I have been taking the time to reflect on my priorities. Spending the weekend in quarantine, keeping away from the public germs in an attempt to keep Jersey #2 from coming down sick, has helped me tune out the world, and focus. I have just experienced one of those pivotal moments in life, when it becomes crystal clear what truly matters. I do not want to lose this lesson, so I am paying close attention to that still, small voice.
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