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In recent weeks, our family life has become increasingly active. With this newfound busyness, I’ve experienced an old feeling that I haven’t encountered in a long time. Just last week, while prepping dinner, I felt a tightness in my chest as I mentally ticked off tasks still waiting to be done. I was racing to get dinner ready for my husband and daughters, who needed to eat quickly before heading off to their softball game. This sensation was all too familiar yet felt so distant, and honestly, I hadn’t missed it.
I had hoped to delay this return to hecticness for as long as possible. Can anyone else relate? Do you know what I’m talking about? While some families jumped back into their normal routines, we chose to take our time. With our children learning online this year and considering my parents and other relatives as high-risk for the virus, our social interactions have been minimal.
However, with vaccinations rolling out and community case numbers decreasing, we are starting to venture out again. We’ve signed our girls up for softball and allowed our daughter to participate in a performance at her middle school. Even though they are on the same team, it brings back memories of a time when we were constantly on the go—a time when I often felt exhausted and in dire need of a break.
While I recognize that it’s important for our family to start engaging in activities again, I can also sense some internal resistance. I want to move forward, but not too quickly. I want to participate, but I also cherish the time to rest.
I know this anxiety well; it’s akin to a visit from an old friend. It’s the familiar feeling of needing to rush out the door, making sure I don’t forget anything, and efficiently shifting from one task to another. Many have been living this way for a while, but our family has not.
This message goes out to those who have slowly emerged from their shells, who have chosen to maintain social distance longer than most. For those who are ready to engage with life, but perhaps aren’t eager to dive into everything they once did. If you feel this way, know that I stand with you.
I’m optimistic about our children returning to school in the fall and I’m happy to see us participating in some activities again. However, I don’t want to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way. Just because something is great doesn’t mean it’s right for our family. I don’t want our calendar overflowing to the point where we struggle to find a date to meet up with friends.
I’ve grown to appreciate spontaneity and having breathing room in our schedules. I love weekends that aren’t crammed, family dinners that are leisurely, and the ability to simply ask, “Who wants to go for a walk?” without feeling rushed.
Perhaps I’m asking for too much. Maybe my desire to balance participation with the need for space is unrealistic, but I have to believe it’s possible. I know there will be those frantic nights filled with back-to-back games requiring us to split up and run in different directions. Yet, I also long for moments of calm, for relaxation, and for room to breathe.
I hope the pendulum of our busy lives has swung back towards balance. That we can be active and still take time to unwind. That we can socialize while also prioritizing family time. I want us to thoughtfully evaluate our commitments, ensuring that the lessons learned during the past year are integrated into our daily lives.
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Summary:
As our family begins to engage more in activities after a period of caution, we are feeling the familiar pressures of busy life while also cherishing the space and spontaneity we’ve grown accustomed to. Balancing social engagements with the need for rest is essential as we navigate this new normal.