It happens every summer in mid-August

Every summer in mid-August I hit the wall. My frustration level becomes far too high and my patience much too limited. I know why this happens and I will explain later but this year when the s#*t hit the fan (which happened last weekend) I decided to do something about it NOW rather than later.

Here's my story....

My kids get out of school for the summer in mid June (the date can vary widely depending on how many snow days we have over the winter) and go back to school in very late August or early September. Summer is a fun and exciting time. We all look forward to having a break from the school bell time clock and routine. I can honestly include myself in that statement because I do look forward to having my children all to myself. The summer becomes a crazy but fun schedule unto itself; constant sleep overs here, there and everywhere, daytime swims, nighttime swims, hanging by the fire pit, vacationing, camping, biking, hiking and yes too many video games.

As a stay at home Mom I love the summer routine. Here it comes...the big BUT....but by mid-August I crack. I long for me time. Time to create, time to exercise, time to be quiet, time to listen to MY music as loud as I want...just plain time to be me on my own terms, even if it is only for a few hours a day. I have learned over the years that by the middle of August my cup is empty. I have nothing left to give. I usually hang on by a thread for two or three weeks. This year I sat for a while in a self pity session whining to myself about all the things I want to do and don't seem able to get done. In the middle of my mid-August melt down I decided it didn't have to be this way, I could take action.

I did something I have never, ever done in my life.....I went shopping. I have never shopped because I was emotionally distressed for any reason. Really...never!

I have been considering redoing my bedroom for over a year and could never find exactly what I was looking for. Well wouldn't you know there it all was in one store on that one particular day. The sheets, the comforter/bedspread, decorative pillows, lamps (which perfectly matched the shade type in other areas of my home and I LOVE them.). Everything in the exact color scheme, theme, and style I have been looking for. I couldn't believe it nor could I resist buying it all. I know, I know I really shouldn't have given my mood but I did and I am really happy with all my purchases. What does this mean? I believe that the universe aligns itself to what you want and think about. On this day I decided to take care of my desires and there it all was waiting for me to show up. (Too bad the universe didn't send extra cash my way to cover paying for my desires...maybe it is on its way to me at this moment.)

Over the last few days it occurred to me...I need to pay attention to me more often. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of family life (any caretaker will understand this) I need to get off the tread mill once in a while and check in with myself. In checking in I found out I was not taking care of myself. I was not making myself happy. Time to reassess the direction of my days.

I did just that. I have begun a morning routine of rising before the rest of the family to take some time to find that quiet time. I have set limits for the upcoming week, everyday doesn't have to be all about the kids..Mom gets some time to create and time to just get stuff done. This way we can ALL be happy.

So today I am creating some resin bottle cap pendants. Stay tuned...I will blog about this process later this week and have photos of the completed pendants.

So I end with the old adage we all know well:

If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

Live a Happy Life

Today I contemplate life. I have had two people in my life pass away in the past 2 days and on the way home from the wake of one of those people I came across a fatal car accident. Which often makes me think...What if I had left 10 minutes earlier would that car wreck have involved me?..."there but for the grace of God go I."

Incidents like this make me begin to think about my life. Am I living my life fully? Everyday should be joyful, even the simple everyday tasks of life can be done with joy in your heart. I truly believe the quality of our lives are dependent on our mind set. We can choose to be happy. If we are not it is our responsiblity to ourselves to change whatever it is that needs changing in order to find joy everyday. This doesn't always mean excluding people from our lives but perhaps it means establishing boundaries and stating what is acceptable to you. To me it means doing what I want to do, what I love to do and yes, on somedays, doing what makes those in my life happy.

Being in touch with your everyday joy may also mean changing your mind set. This can be done simply by being positive about each and every task you approach. At the beginning of each day wake up and be thankful for anything....for waking up, for the sun shining, for the rain watering the gardens, find something to be thankful for before your feet even hit the floor. At the end of each day find something to be thankful for...the smile of a child, the hug of a child or friend or loved one, the dinner your hubby prepared (yes mine does this often), the quiet evening at home, the evening spent at the field watching your child have fun. The simple everyday things have joy in them if we take the time to acknowledge it, which brings joy to us.

So today find your joy and live a happy life.