Time sped up about 1,000x since giving birth. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Everyday from other moms I hear, “where does the time go?” and “I can’t believe she’s already 3! Seems like I just had her,” and “has it really been that long since I’ve seen you?” I’m not sure why motherhood does this to us… it seems like it should be just the opposite.
Regardless, I am in a desperate attempt to slow down. Way more often than I’d like to admit, a whole day goes by and I think “what on earth did we do today?” or “how is it already 6:00?” My days are literally sneaking past me without me even knowing.
Today is a day of my children’s childhood. It is one of the few precious days they will be home with me in this little bubble of our house. To let even one day sneak past me seems unacceptable. And while I can’t actually slow time down, I can certainly be more conscious of the time rapidly ticking by.
How many times have I wanted to start a project, do something with the girls, get some work done and I just simply cannot find the time in the day to do it? Way too many! I needed to devise a better plan. In my effort of creating a beautiful life. I need to remember to also create a happy life.
After I gutted our house of “extras” I created a half hour-by-half hour schedule of my idea of the perfect day. From the time I would like to wake up in the morning, from the time I’d like to go to bed, my whole day is mapped out.
One of the biggest changes I’ve made is waking up earlier and going to bed earlier. I cannot believe how much better my days go if I wake with the rising sun a couple of hours before my family gets up. I have devoted that time to myself in the morning. I like to get up, have my coffee and do a little scripture study for personal inspiration and if I have a few extra minutes, I get in some writing. Just being still in the morning helps me feel so much more on top of the day. It allows me to get up for my children rather than to my children, and for me that makes all the difference.
I have created time for house chores – just two 30 minute slots in the day, time for work – an hour in the morning and an hour at night, and time for my children which fill up the rest of my day — exactly how it should be. I have time to play, time to learn, time for quiet and time for fun. All of those things I always wished I had time for, I suddenly do have time for because I have made time for. See how it works?
Now, I’m sort of a gypsy.. I really hesitate at the idea of structure, schedule and anything of the sort. But working from a time schedule layout, putting meaning into my everyday has actually worked for my hippie, spontaneous lifestyle. I have more time to be relaxed and time for adventure. Most importantly, my time isn’t just slipping past me. I am living moment to moment, with a purpose.
And now I suddenly have more time for things like this,
And that’s what is most important to me.
xo, C
haley
Very sweet, my sweet!
Cass Miller
You inspired this whole movement, my dear! xoxo
Kristina
You are such a good example! I tend to plummet into survival mommy mode too often. It’s amazing how our kids are a reflection of us. I hit a low of lows that day at the park- especially compared to how sweet you are with your girls. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to have a more positive & gentle approach, & the difference it’s made with E is like night & day. It’s taken reading a book or two, but it’s working. I love how you are making a concerted, conscious effort to give your girls a beautiful childhood. Thank you for the inspiration.
Cass Miller
You are so sweet! I would have never guessed you were having an “off” day at the park. You’re always so calm and sweet with your kids, so inspiring! YOU are such a good example.
Adrienne
Oh Cassidy, you are my hero right now! You just spoke to one of the biggest issue in my life! My kids are growing way to fast and most days I am just running around like a chicken with her head cut off doing meaningless crap! I just LOVE this new perspective that you have brought to your blog.
On another note, I am DISGUSTED with how few photos I have taken of my own children this year. It is so sad. My goal going forward is to never have a reason to feel bad about this again!
Cass Miller
Adrienne, thank you sweet friend! We ALL feel that way, but I’m hoping making some changes and less distractions I can be a more focused, loving parent. I’m so glad we can all be together in this and help each other out! I’ll continue to post the changes made and how they’re working for me. Thanks for being such a great support!
Alister
I don’t know how I missed this one but I love it soooo much. Was just telling G how inspiring my little sister is. You are a gorgeous, smart, loving, funny young lady. So happy you are my sissy. Love you <3