Every year around September-ish, about 150 women gather from all corners of the US and Canada, to greet old friends, meet publishers they've collaborated with throughout the year, and learn new ideas, tips and tools to support their hyper-local communities back home. It's not easy to get away. Between covering kid's pick-ups, getting husbands on board, $, and so much more, it would probably be easier to stay home. If we did that we wouldn't gain the inspiration and fresh ideas to give to you, our communities, for the next year.
Here's one of my big "take-aways"... Mom's NEED to regroup and restore to be better parents, partners, daughters, sisters, and friends. So I thought I'd give you a little Tip List for Essential Mom Time.
1. No $, no time, no childcare:
* Get up 15 minutes early to read, draw, stretch or simply have a cup of tea or coffee without doing ANYTHING else, if you can squeeze 30 minutes in, even better!
* Rent an audiobook at the library that will take you somewhere you've always wanted to go! Listen to it after your kid's morning drop off.
* Take a walk, however short. I've been using 99Walks for this, and I'd love to have you join me virtually. I'm going to set up a MacKidLongmontFrederick group and hope to meet in person for an occasional group walk! https://www.99walks.fit/?fpr=michele86
* Laughter can reduce stress and leave your muscles relaxed for 45 minutes after! Get together with a friend for a cup of joe, a movie or a walk(mentioned above). Our society is starving for connection and Moms have got to be on the top of that list!
2. Some $ to spare, a little time, childcare possibilities:
* Go visit a girlfriend out of town. Whether you drive or search for cheap flights (Southwest, Frontier-if you work their system and no kids it's easier) you'll feel like you're doing something big for yourself!
* Can't skip town? Take a staycation at a local hotel. My husband and I went to Hotel Boulderado for a last-minute anniversary night when we realized we had no time for anything too crazy. Have another mom join you, or bring a good book and stay by yourself! I've done it, and it's a-m-a-z-i-n-g!
3. $ not an issue, plenty of time to spare, always have someone for the kids:
* Can I have your life?
* Get the heck out of town! What are you still doing here?!
* Good for you, and you deserve self-care too!
Let me know if you are able to follow one of these paths above and please share it on FB. You might just inspire another mom, just like you! Please, like my page if you haven't? https://www.facebook.com/MacKidLongmont/
Have a great day!
Michele
