Wife and Mommy

About a month ago, The Husband and I made a deal:  as soon as he comes home from work, I am allowed to leave.  I take J-dog with me and we walk through the neighborhood.  This is a deal that benefits me greatly:  I get some exercise, some time away from my children, a chance to clear my head and some quality time with poor neglected the dog.

For about two weeks, I went regularly.  I enjoyed the autumn afternoons and the crisp air.  I returned refreshed.  I felt like I’d done something good for myself.  I was able to handle dinner and the few hours left until bedtime without becoming completely undone.

Then I didn’t go one afternoon.  I don’t remember why.  And one afternoon became two…and three…and then a week had passed.

It’s easy to come up with excuses not to go.

I’m too tired.
I’d rather lie down and rest.
It’s too cold..,.windy…warm…humid..sunny…cloudy…etc.
Now that we changed the clocks back, it gets dark so early.
It’s just too late.
My foot hurts.
J-dog is resting comfortably, I don’t want to disturb her.
I need to get some stuff done around here (ha!).

You get the picture.  Soon I realized two weeks had passed without a walk.

Today, The Husband came home a little earlier than usual.  I remarked, “If I were smart, I’d go for a walk right now.”  He responded, “What are you waiting for?  Go!”

And so I did.

The sun was settling behind the horizon so I shortened my usual route.  J-dog was ecstatic to get out of the house.  We settled into a good pace and I breathed a sigh of relief.  My mind cleared and I began to wonder why on earth I had given up this time to myself!

I’m making a vow to take this time to myself and to not feel guilty about it.  Ask me if I’ve gone for a walk each day, okay?