How many activities have you exposed your children to in the past month? Sledding, skiing, skating? Art, crafts, books? Gymnastics, soccer, scooter riding?
And for YOU? Have you invested time and energy into your own play? Things that make you giggle, smile, feel alive? Have you taken time to exercise, feed yourself healthy food, go out with friends, play???
It’s funny how we ‘grow up’ and at times forget how to play. We get caught in being great parents, partners, professionals and we leave play time to the children. What if we ALL changed that?
My husband is the Play Master. Luckily for me, we’ve been together for 16 years and I’ve learned all I know about play from him. When the snow dumped on Boulder this year, he made a snow cave in our front yard. It’s big enough for our entire family to go in and tall enough that we all can slide down from the roof.
Play comes in different forms for all of us. Play can be exercise, cooking, reading, napping. I LOVE sledding. I love when I have safely reached the bottom of the hill covered in powder and am laughing so hard I can not get my feet under me. I love going to the bookstore. Browsing, for something or nothing at all and then sitting down to have a cup of tea, by myself.
A friend asked if I could substitute on her volleyball team last week. The game started at 9pm (my bedtime), and I had not played in more than 10 years. Still, I said yes, met new women, had a blast playing and I can’t wait for the next call.
As a parent it takes conscious intention for me to play, without the children. It takes effort to do things for me, totally self-indulgent goodies that really make my life better and in turn improves life as a family. And, it’s worth every bit of it!
Make time. Start small. 10 minutes makes a difference. Take a bath. Go skipping down the street. Say yes to something new. Go to a Moxie Mom’s event that is just for YOU. Make space in your life for your rejuvenation, your kids will learn from your example and the whole family will benefit!Susanne Achtenhagen is a Mommy and Professional Triathlete.
Susanne wants to inspire every person to look into their own heart and find their dreams & passions. Susanne lives with her husband and two daughters in Boulder, Colorado. To learn more go to www.triathletemom.com or to contact Susanne directly, Susanne@triathletemom.com.
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