I'm back to work tomorrow. A bit of a groan, a bit of a sigh. Actually, a big groan and sigh. Mainly because I know how much hard work is waiting for me after an extended break. And life gets a lot more complicated when I'm at work. You can't really win, can you?
I have so enjoyed these past three weeks. Being able to kick back and just hang out with the Tsunamis has been wonderful. They are growing up, my little people. I am no longer 'that mother' with three children under 5 and it's amazing how much easier our life has become. That said, as much as I love our 'usual' lifestyle, there is not a lot of room for just sitting and being. I need to make more space for that. When life slows down, the little things get a moment to shine and grow.
Key for being 'better' this year, is being better at slowing down. We will finally get those chickens, I'm planting vegetables and giving some fruit trees a red-hot (watered) go. All extra work, of course, but of the best and most satisfying kind. Most importantly, I'm going to try to be a lot better at not worrying so much about how tidy my bloody house is. What a waste of concern that is. My aim is to keep this relaxed holiday vibe alive throughout the year and appreciate the stillness at the heart of each day.
What's your number one tip for slowing down?
PS - Clock The Badoo's haircut up there! The best little cut ever. She was all hair and now she's all cute.
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30 comments (thank you!):
I too think housework is a waste of concern. We try to set a time for cleaning, and then when that time is up, it is rest time, play time, party time.
That is the cutest photo ever!
I'm trying to keep that holiday feeling too - so far it's working a bit too well and nothing's been done. But at least I'm not fussed about that!
Good luck with the return to work :)
What a great shot! Magic moment...hmmm I am not the best person for advice on slowing down....but I will be joining you in trying not to worry about a untidy house..why is this so hard???;)
I would much rather look back on my days with a dirty house, knowing I spent time doing the things that really matter. Jade x
Loving the Badoo's 'do!
Slowing down is important in this house. I can't do the go go go lifestyle. It's very very hard on me, so I guess our life is very slow to some.
That photo has a real vintage summer holiday feel to it - love it!
I've been on holidays since mid-November. Worked two half days last week and I'm back into full swing this Saturday. I'm not looking forward to the extra juggle working brings (in terms of housework, drop offs, pickups, who has the kids today?) but my word for 2012 is focus - and I'm going to keep that in mind as I return to work. I need to maintain the boundaries a bit more than I have previously and protect my time (or my families time) more than I have.
I hope you have a lovely return to work - if that's possible.
Now that's a real haircut, not just a trim but layers and all. I'm impressed. Happy New Year Maxabella! gxo
adorable photo. Enjoy finding the balance. hope you're way better at it than me :)
Yep, house work will be there the next day, just 'be' in the moment when you can, keep it simple, and laugh...cause if we dont laugh we cry :) xx
i'm so with you on this woman. except for the life becoming easier- i'm pretty much looking forward to that. What a wonderful reminder that it's all about the seasons. some require a faster pace!
xo em
I don't know how you work a job and have three kidlets - you are amazing... we love our chooklets, they are a great source of family joy as we sit and watch them and the kids love to cuddle them too. I'm with you also on the tidy house... sometimes it's just too hard! Maybe bulk cooking of meals to store in the freezer would help? xxx Hope tomorrow goes well Lovely xx
Happy Holidays Bron. Adore the pic and the ever soooo cute Badoo! My tip for slowing down, having the man around the house a little more. We adore having him home from work. More hands make less work and all that.
xoxox
I love that photo of your kids - just beautiful ... and cracker haircut!
My number 1 tip for slowing down? Go from having 4 blogs to 1. Oh wait, you're not stupid enough to have 4 blogs ...
Carry on :)
That is such a gorgeous shot.
I hope tomorrow isn't too much of a shock to the system.
At least long, warm evenings (with a wine and picnic down the beach??) are still here when you knock off.
:-)
That is the best photo ever, Maxabella!! An absolute cracker.
Talk about my Achilles heel - slowing down enough to smell the roses - I have tried to do that for years. I dunno why I always needed to be cleaning. Anal, I guess. Now, I'm on forced rest, which means lots of time for sitting amongst mess while the kids play around me. Not ideal, because I can't really take them out anywhere groovy, but at least I'm not chained to the vacuum like I used to be. Half glass full, etc. etc.!!! Good luck tomorrow sweetie!! xxx
Cheers to that!
I hope your year turns out as lovely as it all sounds.
Rach x
I love that photo Bron! you are so right, all year should be like the holidays! here's to a slower year! xx
This will be me next week...finishing off three weeks holiday . I agree about housework ...so many more fun things to do,x Hope your transition back to work goes well.
That haircut!!!!
Oooh! That last sentence.
'The stillness at the heart of each day'.
Thats a keeper for sure. Im going to look for it tomorrow. Yesterday it would have been when we danced.
I was talking to a close friend today about just this and we came up with the thought of attacking the house in different ways than what we have in the past. For instance, from the other persons perspective. It made for an interesting day and I achieved the odd milestone or two and so did she.
Have a chilled day at work! x
Dear Maxabella...I just posted my 'slowing down' vacation on my blog today...as calm as an ocean. And your this post, like many others brings that joy in my heart...I'll take from you as well...to enjoy this year's every moment..bask in the sadness as well as the achievements:)
my vacation ens today and collg starts tmrw as well:P...
best line: "When life slows down, the little things get a moment to shine and grow."
lovely:)
Aakriti
Seriously delectable photo! What amazing childhood memories those little people are going to have.
I am savouring this aspect of "better". :-)
Tips for slowing down? Hmmm... I think we might be on this learning curve together.
Whipping out the camera to document the tiny moments certainly helps.
As does a journal and cup of coffee before anyone else has woken.
As does not being "that mum" any more. My little 'un is nearly 3 (and we are hoping for another one in the not-too-distant future) but I'm seeing the correlation between her growing independence and greater breathing space for me/us , so I get a sense of what you mean!
Good luck easing back in to your work space. Will be thinking of you. x
Exactly what I am hoping for my 2012.
You can do it!
Your children are divine.
Let that photo remind you of the 3 reasons why it is just so important to slow down :)
Stop, & smell the roses.
Or, water the fruit trees :)
Hello, What a great picture of your cuties! Thinking of you and wishing you all the best with the "better" sounds wonderful! Sorry I do not have much tips on slowing down except for me it means not over thinking sometimes :) xx Sandrine
House is only tidy for a few minutes, happiness lingers forever. Or so I tell myself while ignoring housework :)
I made a schedule for housework so that I'm not trying to do everything everyday...and I don't stress if the laundry isn't folded immediately. The only two chores that MUST be done daily are the kitty litter and dishes. :)
Gorgeous snap.
I knit a lot. Slows me right down. Of course, the rampant chaos that is 3 children continues around me unabated but at least I have got it worked out ;)
Beautiful photo, so lovely that they're all at such a great age now and a little lower maintenance.
As for slowing down, I unfortunately have no words of wisdom, but need some tips myself.
Hooray for chickens! Hens and vegies...something so peaceful and quietly satisfying. What kind will you get?? I'm all excited for you :)
Growing a veggie and fruit garden is definitely a way to slow life down...whilst you are not sitting and doing nothing, watching the veggies and fruit grow takes time and being part of that definitely gives you the opportunity to ponder the moment...and breathe! The most satisfying above all is that you are feeding your children healthy organic produce that you made with your own hands :)
And besides...its much more exciting and therapeutic than tidying the house!
I agree - just trying to keep that holiday vibe going makes life back at work so much nicer. I have 2 weeks left but I will be sulking big time when I go back to work. Arghhh - so glad you had a wonderful break though :) xx
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