Yesterday, I found myself with an extra 8 hours. I know, sounds impossible. But it’s true. So I started my morning off thinking about all of the work I could catch up on…and then I decided to take some time out to celebrate SPRING and celebrate ME.
I went thrift shopping for two hours for some new spring clothes. It was the medicine I needed to overcome some of these nagging winter blahs. Picture it: me, Goodwill, and two hours completely to myself. I got lost sorting through the color-organized racks of clothes while listening to the likes of Toto, Michael Jackson, and Simon & Garfunkel over the loud speaker. It was magical. Two hours passed and I didn’t even realize it. I found myself allowing my creative side to come out, to pick and choose clothes that were not normally things I would buy but were nonetheless “spirited” and “fun,” like me. I found myself quietly singing along to the songs I knew all the words to. I smiled at toddlers and babies as their mothers jockeyed their strollers through tight isles and racks. It was freeing.
Strangely, too, it took me a bit of time to overcome the guilt I felt for taking this time to myself, especially on a work day. My inner demons and saboteurs were alive and well. I shut them down, told them they weren’t running the show today, and enjoyed some pure and simply ME time. As women, we don’t do this often enough…we don’t take time to feed our souls and recognize our need to spend time ALONE. I make time for date night with the hubby, girlfriend week-ends away, and “special Fridays” with my daughter. But, it’s a rare occasion that I make time for a date with MYSELF. So yesterday, I did an impromptu several hours by myself, having fun. I even found myself chuckling at a couple of the shirts I tried on…what was I thinking when I picked out a t-shirt three sizes too small that was all bedazzled with the word LOVE??? I was thinking that it might make my boobs look big and be FUN to wear, that’s what! Alas, I opted not to buy it…but I did find a peach-colored Stevie Nicks inspired shirt that I can’t wait to wear. Oh, spring…please come soon!
How do you like to spend your “date days” (or nights) with YOURSELF? I encourage you to make a list of all of the things you enjoy doing…and then set aside time in your busy, busy calendar to actually DO it. You’ll be surprised at how much “spring” it can bring you!
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