I am a split personality—okay, not technically and I do not want to offend anyone with my ancient “mental health” reference, but I often really do feel a major tug between two distinct and powerful parts of my personhood. I enjoy a busy, full, expansive life and I also crave and enjoy leisure, down time and a slow, simplicity pace. Trying to get both of these personalities to live in the same house is an ongoing challenge for me as a single parent. Mostly, I find myself constantly asking if there will ever be enough hours in a day?
I love nothing more than a slow-paced day with plenty of time for contemplation and visiting with dear friends and my kids. I also love an efficient, task-packed day where I accomplish all the things on my “to do” list. Unlike some people who get overwhelmed if they have more than two tasks in a day, I actually thrive on the busy-ness of raising a single parent family. How is it that I can love and appreciate both of these “states” and feel equally suited to both?
As the two halves of my temperament battle each other for ultimate supremacy, I find that what I have discovered as a single parent is that when I fall into bed at the end of the day (and when does the day actually end there?) I am exhausted and still thinking of things I wanted and needed to do in the course of the day that was and SOME of those things are to slow down, visit more, allow myself to cook something that takes a long time, and walk instead of drive. I really do feel the pull to cram more of both realities into my life—more mellow and more energy!
See Also: Tackling the Challenge of Loving Ourselves
Finding Silence and Quiet Time