tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post7365290885006147834..comments2024-01-14T01:02:51.354-07:00Comments on 320 * Sycamore: oxygenMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998834833645862095noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-5576190682615024662010-10-05T19:50:22.338-06:002010-10-05T19:50:22.338-06:00A friend shared this post with me, and I'm gla...A friend shared this post with me, and I'm glad she did! Both the post and comments have many nuggets of wisdom in them. Thanks!EChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03068575502111459761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-1928370409999406192010-10-05T19:05:15.570-06:002010-10-05T19:05:15.570-06:00I really needed this. As a new mom of a busy 1 yea...I really needed this. As a new mom of a busy 1 year old boy, and a husband in law school I feel guilty when I'm not cleaning. I think it is time I put down the gloves and scrapbook!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-83288888638540667132010-10-05T12:31:13.722-06:002010-10-05T12:31:13.722-06:00Brilliant, Brilliant!
Thanks for sharing, another ...Brilliant, Brilliant!<br />Thanks for sharing, another fantastic post!<br /><br />I'm glad you love to share your oxygen with the rest of us. Your blog!<br /><br />I love that you enjoy blogging, share mom stuff, home decor ideas, and how to be thrifty.<br /><br />I continually enjoy your blog. It helps me breathe too!Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08896464848490020803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-80073748611886055292010-10-05T09:23:30.138-06:002010-10-05T09:23:30.138-06:00GREAT POST, GREAT POST, GREAT POST!!!!!!!!!!!!GREAT POST, GREAT POST, GREAT POST!!!!!!!!!!!!mama walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04373630658703342912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-31227802203223672512010-10-05T07:20:24.736-06:002010-10-05T07:20:24.736-06:00I've spent a lot of time with myself lately be...I've spent a lot of time with myself lately because all 5 of my kids are in school...how wonderful I have felt to have a lot of me time! Other Moms are missing their kids and don't know what to do but for me rather than be sad I've gone and re-discovered who I am. We bought a horse a year ago and the last week I've been spending a lot of time at the barn riding by myself (not sharing the horse like I usually do), I've started running and exercising, grocery shopping by myself and enjoying every minute of me time...sometimes I start to feel guilty and then I remember that I deserve it! I had 3 kids in diapers at one time and 5 kids ages 7 and under...I've put in my dues and I still do a lot for them. We Moms need to stop feeling guilty for not doing enough for our kids. Instead I'm showing my kids how to set goals and then set out to accomplish them! What you focus on expands so focus on the things you can change and not on the things that you can't!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02546897412814032616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-35912383636502131112010-10-04T19:27:16.178-06:002010-10-04T19:27:16.178-06:00It's SO hard to find time! SO hard. And I th...It's SO hard to find time! SO hard. And I think it gets even harder the older the kids get, I hate to say! I don't have one night a week where I could get away without taking someone someplace or picking someone up...it's not like when the kids were younger. Which I know is not encouraging to anybody! :) I used to treasure my one night out...<br />Great post Melissa!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14912466557223829314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-54920135665187902362010-10-04T18:57:05.172-06:002010-10-04T18:57:05.172-06:00Fantastic advice, I hope your reader finds time fo...Fantastic advice, I hope your reader finds time for her and the home her family lives in. She won't regret it!!!Laura at Ms. Smartie Pantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06953284758360960450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-12419979089986112682010-10-04T18:53:19.307-06:002010-10-04T18:53:19.307-06:00great post. It took me a little until we had our s...great post. It took me a little until we had our second child to realize the importance of "me time". I always felt guilty or that the time could be used more wisely. It took my husband trying to kick me out by signing me up for a night class to realize that it's important to get me time once a week. Now I'm back in school and loving it. My husband and my kids love their weekly time together.Hellohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16797258554808329317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-61309339628466110292010-10-04T17:56:06.052-06:002010-10-04T17:56:06.052-06:00I totally agree! You have to find what makes you t...I totally agree! You have to find what makes you tick and make time for it! I have tried to tell this time and time again to women that I go to church with. I am in the military and most of the husbands are deployed, but I try to encourage the mom's to get their kids on a schedule and get them to bed the same time every night so they can have "alone" time! Without it, you will go absolutely insane! I love the idea of Daddy's night (I might have to talk to my hubby about doing that), but if daddy isn't available I hope every women at least takes that time each night to do something that they love!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10329176744976147982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-38201365323192218722010-10-04T15:48:17.007-06:002010-10-04T15:48:17.007-06:00This is right on time for me. I just started a gro...This is right on time for me. I just started a group with some friends to cheer each other on . Giving each other a boost to do the things that we really want, not just what's neccessary. Thanks for sharing this. It really validated things I had been thinking about.Cassiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02709486195679665818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-23782005700199804512010-10-04T15:26:02.185-06:002010-10-04T15:26:02.185-06:00It's only now in my early 40's that I real...It's only now in my early 40's that I realise how important it is to make time for me. I have just recently converted my house cleaning to the motivatedmoms.com schedule and this has removed some of the guilt and is allowing me time to have some fun, usually with paint brush or paper in hand!Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05170342120030919320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-20138899784616978802010-10-04T14:35:43.483-06:002010-10-04T14:35:43.483-06:00Great post! I couldn't of said it any better....Great post! I couldn't of said it any better. Been there, done that, and can oh so remember the feeling your reader expressed. You give very good advice. You have a talent for writing that is for sure. And the comments were insightful as well, thank you.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16426640481414624341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-35307188337045005162010-10-04T14:22:51.763-06:002010-10-04T14:22:51.763-06:00Great post!Great post!Ajahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00442413435307915509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-59535560020714112132010-10-04T13:44:21.817-06:002010-10-04T13:44:21.817-06:00Very well said--thanks!Very well said--thanks!Tammy @ she wears flowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03321989418228319069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-91569970524122149662010-10-04T13:36:51.335-06:002010-10-04T13:36:51.335-06:00I really love this post!! I have a crazy passion f...I really love this post!! I have a crazy passion for reading and if I don't have a book to read I feel empty. Sometimes my reading time consists of locking the bathroom door and reading while using the restroom so I get five minutes without the kids banging down the door. Thanks for making me realize that I deserve more that than to read my books!!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07815402052515519603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-45374724310386686772010-10-04T13:32:38.755-06:002010-10-04T13:32:38.755-06:00Although my husband and I are "empty-nesters&...Although my husband and I are "empty-nesters", since I have been preparing for a new career in Real Estate, I have felt guilty about not studying for that every spare minute. But, I have recently done a lot of thinking about it and come to the realization that each of us has to make time for ourselves, no matter what stage we are at in Life. And that is nothing to feel guilty about! I KNOW this....have KNOWN this for a long time, in fact. When I was a stay-home mom, I utilized Mother's Day Out at church to get some quality "Jane Time". But, for some reason, it's a lesson that I need to be reminded of over and over. Thanks for putting it into words!Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05697826850954602904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-84842597657026391422010-10-04T13:04:12.348-06:002010-10-04T13:04:12.348-06:00i find this to be some very good advice...i find this to be some very good advice...ChRiShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11207463532949925592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-62176837811595168742010-10-04T12:31:33.922-06:002010-10-04T12:31:33.922-06:00Beautifully put! One of the best pieces of advice ...Beautifully put! One of the best pieces of advice I've heard. Even though I'm past the point of small kids at home, I still need time for myself so that my home is fully "oxygenated"!!!Jeananne Lybbertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-76017320201198268192010-10-04T12:31:27.997-06:002010-10-04T12:31:27.997-06:00What a heart-warming post. And what a sad reason f...What a heart-warming post. And what a sad reason for its inspiration. My heart went outto that lady. When I had four children under six,it was *really* hard to fit in time for me. I did do it but it couldn't help feel the time was somehow squeezed in. <br /><br />I like your Thursday evening idea!<br /><br />SarahxSarah @ Modern Country Stylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10674775708432670104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-4781593154289652422010-10-04T12:24:22.826-06:002010-10-04T12:24:22.826-06:00Awesome analogy, Melissa!!! My husband works a LOT...Awesome analogy, Melissa!!! My husband works a LOT, and I feel like the *free* time I do get is devoted to getting extra errands run, cleaning, or going to meetings. I made a point to stay out later on Friday night after my meeting. The kids were in bed anyways, and I went to Target and Borders all by myself and browsed. It was great. :)Amanda @ Serenity Nowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16483017563206007698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-3942769368739511842010-10-04T12:22:00.662-06:002010-10-04T12:22:00.662-06:00Amen sister, I know exactly what you mean. I used...Amen sister, I know exactly what you mean. I used to wander the Barnes & Noble aisles ALONE with a coffee when my kids were babies, it kept me sane!!! I also will go to a late night movie by myself, that helps me check out a bit. I find a refreshed and reenergized mom makes for a happier home, so yes, take time for yourself to pursue your passions! Great post girlfriend. <br />xo<br />KateKate Riley https://www.blogger.com/profile/12505826655649361222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-89394696473060622582010-10-04T12:11:09.649-06:002010-10-04T12:11:09.649-06:00This is a great post, Melissa.
The oxygen analogy...This is a great post, Melissa.<br /><br />The oxygen analogy is a good one. There's plenty of oxygen; you're not depriving your child of oxygen by placing your own mast first; you're insuring that you remain a strong caregiver for him. Likewise, you're not depriving your child if you spend some time doing whatever helps you to live and thrive; you're insuring that you remain a strong caregiver for him.<br /><br />If there's an activity that keeps you sane, gives you energy, helps you to feel alive and well--then your family will certainly benefit from your taking some time to do it.<br /><br />As an older mom, I'll just add this word to moms of very small children: Remember that this time is a season in your life, and it will pass quickly. During the season in which you have tiny tots, you really may not get to do as much of the things you want to do as you'd wish. That's okay: you can say, "I can only devote x number of hours to this right now, but I will do more of it at another time." The important thing is that you take SOME time to do it now. You will in fact have more time to yourself when your kiddos are a little older, and that time will be here more quickly than you'd ever think. Your challenge is to spend enough time on yourself now to keep yourself healthy and happy. That's not depriving your family--that's blessing them!Richella Parhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04353214472648623583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-2313605855969253442010-10-04T10:59:36.394-06:002010-10-04T10:59:36.394-06:00Very good post. My kids are pretty much grown now ...Very good post. My kids are pretty much grown now and I can take time that I never felt I was able to before. Unfortunately I still feel guilty if I take time for me instead of doing things for everyone else. Thanks for reminding me it's OK to please myself too.Pam @ Fripperyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08694536982173963267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-27344354734749509152010-10-04T10:56:50.097-06:002010-10-04T10:56:50.097-06:00Awesome thoughts and I couldn't agree more. F...Awesome thoughts and I couldn't agree more. Finding a balance is key. Thanks for sharing.Erikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01370313517058926051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4094626877865766804.post-51947569422001902912010-10-04T10:40:38.857-06:002010-10-04T10:40:38.857-06:00Great advice, deary! I always joke that I don'...Great advice, deary! I always joke that I don't hardly leave the house and the truth is, I don't. My "oxygen" is music, specifically Praise and Worship. If I can have music while I wipe noses, prep dinner and change diapers - I can get up the next morning and do it all again. With two small ones I'm blessed to be able to spend each moment with them but believe me I totally look forward to nap time & 8:30 p (bedtime)! I've also had to find peace in the small things like putting off laundry till they are in bed and folding clothes while I watch "my Grey's" I have dvr'd or HGTV (my obsession) or a rerun of Gilmore Girls. & honestly I usually do my grocery shopping at midnight when the kids are in bed and I go pick up a coffee drink and slowly. very slowly and calmly browse up and down the aisles at Winco. Just a few ideas :) <br />xoxo, The Lady of the HouseSami Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15413226469017420404noreply@blogger.com