Ever notice how many days of your life are spent moving in a near constant state of fluidity? Why isn't there more to be said for the stillness of life, the peace that comes with what so many view as stagnation or boredom? Is it boring to refrain from moving even for a brief time so we might breathe, reflect, redirect, and then move again? I think of the reality shows where cameras are installed in the home, recording every movement 24/7...I'd absolutely feel guilty if I stopped for even a moment and flipped on the tv, picked up a book, or closed my eyes on the couch. I mean, that would certainly perpetuate the stereotype of the at-home/work-from-home mom who doesn't really do anything all day...as evidenced by the fact she's watching tv, reading a book, or closing her eyes. Now, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Women's Day, CNN...the varied list could go on and on...all tell us we should take time for ourselves, but the problem with that is at least two-fold: one, I can't stop for me when everyone else needs me to move for them and, two, if I did stop, I'd be deemed lazy or slothful.
Just goes to show that, when evaluating what's right for you and your family, to heck with everyone else. Stay at home and exercise that day. Be imaginative with the pantry so there's no Wal-Mart trip that morning. Ask your neighbor or good friend to pick up the kid(s) at school that afternoon...whatever. Do the minimum to survive and smell the flowers the rest of the time. Because, when it comes down to it, to heck with anyone else's opinons except those that matter in your family (for me, that's the kids and Craig). If you try to do it any other way, you'll find yourself in a quandary where pleasing everyone means pleasing no one.
