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Alone Time
Don’t Disturb a Mom’s Special Retreat
For me, that’s my car.
by Lisa Turner
March 3, 2022
Mindful Media / Getty
My SUV has been at the repair shop for nearly a week, and honestly, I feel like I’m losing my sanity. “I don’t understand what the problem is,” says my charming but clueless partner. He doesn’t realize that it’s not just a mode of transportation. It’s not merely how I transport my kids from ballet to soccer and back to gymnastics. The car is my sacred retreat. Sometimes, I truly need everyone to step away from it.
Bless his heart, but my husband doesn’t quite grasp why I insist on running errands solo. (Or maybe he does and chooses to ignore it, hoping I won’t dash out the door without the kids.) It’s not that I’m trying to avoid my children. It’s just that, at times, I need a breather from them. Yes, I said it.
Don’t misunderstand me; my family is my greatest joy, but too much time together can be overwhelming. Between parenting, working, and juggling a million other roles, I crave some downtime. And surprisingly, it’s not as simple to achieve as one might think. I do my best to keep things running smoothly. The kids still get fed, bathed, and tucked in at night. Dinner still gets prepared, and dishes are washed. All I’m asking for is for my family to respect my time alone in my SUV.
Don’t Disturb Mom’s Special Retreat
Saturday mornings are my absolute favorite. It’s the one day of the week you’re likely to find me (intentionally) out of bed before 7 a.m. What motivates me to rise and shine? The chance to swing by the Starbucks drive-through and navigate the grocery store without little ones in tow.
I really don’t want to referee as they race each other down the aisles, knocking items off the shelves. And I certainly don’t want to dig out random items from the cart that definitely aren’t making it home. I just want to enjoy my favorite podcast and feel accomplished when I stick to my grocery list (or close enough). I want to sip my overpriced coffee that won’t be spilled by tiny hands in a tug-of-war over who gets to push the cart.
As a child, I never understood why my mom would gather grocery ads and spend her mornings darting between three or more supermarkets. All that time in the car? Why? Now that I’m a mom myself, it’s starting to make sense. Sure, she was trying to score the best deals by saving a few bucks here and there, but I suspect she was also carving out her own special retreat.
Cheers to You, Mom
Sometimes it’s just the drive to pick up dinner alone. Other times, it’s getting to school early for pick-up. But my cherished time is spent in my SUV. It’s peaceful and quiet. When I’m catching up on work, it’s just me and the sound of my keyboard, without hearing “Mom, mom,” every few minutes. You wouldn’t believe how much you can accomplish when you’re not being pulled in a hundred different directions. And it’s incredible how much tranquility can be found in having time to engage in the things that inspire you.
Sometimes, I simply sit in the pick-up line, catching up on my Netflix show while I wait for the kids to finish class. Other times, it’s a moment to relax and take a deep breath. Nothing beats a deep sigh or a captivating story to soothe my spirit.
I crack open a book and immerse myself in another world. Yes, whisk me away to the 16th century with some French historical fiction. It’s a much-needed escape, and moms deserve that. That time is ultimately restorative: There’s nothing like the pure silence to bring you back to your center. No matter how chaotic the kids or your partner may have been. No matter how many messes have been made. Having a space to enjoy a little “me time” without interruption isn’t just beneficial for you. It’s good for everyone around you.
So, moms, here’s your friendly reminder: Give yourself grace and carve out some time for yourself. Even if it simply means sitting in the parking lot in serene silence.
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Summary
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential for moms to carve out personal time, even if it means finding solace in their vehicles. This sacred space allows for much-needed relaxation, productivity, and self-care. Moms deserve moments of peace amidst their busy lives, and such time is restorative not just for them, but for their families too.