As Dr. Emily Johnson once said, “Time is a luxury.” And when you become a parent, that luxury slips away faster than you can say “diaper change.” While juggling my medical practice and motherhood, I often find myself reminiscing about the days when I could indulge in personal passions without interruption. Here’s a list of ten things I would relish if only I had the time.
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Dive Into a Good Book
I crave the experience of reading a novel that doesn’t feature colorful illustrations or talking animals. A gripping story filled with complex characters that pulls me in so deeply that I forget everything else, even lunch. -
Tame My Brows
With the chaos of life, my eyebrows have become a wild jungle. If I had a few spare moments, I would visit a salon to restore some order to the area above my eyes. -
Binge-Watch a New Series
Although I could technically indulge in a Netflix marathon, the aftermath of a sleepless night paired with a toddler’s early wake-up call makes this a risky endeavor. -
Enjoy a Long Brunch with Friends
There was a time when leisurely brunches with friends were a regular occurrence, complete with endless mimosas. Now, I find myself hurrying home to tackle the mess left behind, leaving little time for carefree afternoons. -
Take a Long Walk Alone
I often think back to when I could roam freely, clearing my mind during a long walk. Nowadays, every minute of my day is meticulously planned, and I’m often lost in the fog of parenting. -
Explore a New Hobby
I know that learning new skills contributes to overall wellness, but finding time for painting, singing, or even rock climbing seems impossible. With chores piling up, hobbies often take a backseat. -
Get Lost in the Internet
The internet is a vast rabbit hole, and I used to enjoy wandering through it for hours. Now, I have to prioritize my time better, focusing on things like showering or finding creative ways to engage my kids with healthy food. -
Cook an Elaborate Meal
I dream of spending an entire day crafting a gourmet meal for my partner and me. However, with only 30 minutes to prepare dinner, this fantasy rarely comes to fruition. -
Reach Out to Old Friends
I miss the deep conversations with friends from my past. Social media can’t replace the joy of a long phone call, but the demands of children often turn that into a near-impossible task. -
Reflect on My Life’s Purpose
I often wonder if there’s more to my existence than work and parenting. Between cooking and cleaning, my thoughts on what legacy I want to leave behind often get interrupted—like my oven timer going off in the midst of contemplation!
One day, my children will grow up, and I’ll have the opportunity to dive into all these activities. Until then, I’ll keep this list pinned to my vision board as a reminder of what I hope to pursue again. For anyone interested in fertility options, check out this insightful blog post for more information. And if you’re looking for quality products, BabyMaker has what you need for home insemination. For more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, I recommend Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.
Summary:
Navigating motherhood while maintaining personal interests can be challenging. From enjoying a good book to reconnecting with old friends, the time to indulge in self-care often feels elusive. However, with a little planning and determination, it’s possible to carve out moments for oneself while still managing the responsibilities of parenting.