How was 2022 for you?
There are a few posts doing the rounds on Facebook at the moment trying to explain why so many of us are feeling so exhausted right now. Not just tired – that’s a permanent parental affliction noted in the ‘fine print’ of the parenting contract none of us read – but the actual physical exhaustion that renders you in a ‘can’t be bothered’ state of mind. Apparently, it’s because we started the year that way and there’s not been any respite.
I can attest to that. Somehow, we’ve managed to create a life so busy that we feel either guilty for sitting down and doing nothing, or the moment renders us in a panic that the reason we’ve got a moment to sit down is because we’ve forgotten something we’re supposed to be doing…….or forgotten a child somewhere!
I recently caught Covid – yes, first time. My ‘still managed to avoid Covid’ flag has been put in the bin, replaced by the ‘I’ve only had it once’ flag. It was the first time I’ve had an excuse to rest and binge-watch Netflix since we had children and I loved it! Guilt-free laziness. To be honest I was feeling a bit rough for about 3 days, but still……..the last time I had days like that was when I was hung over on a Sunday in London watching the Eastenders Omnibus, drinking Berocca like it was a miracle cure!
It made me think I should schedule down time like that once a week – hmmm, probably not in this life…….maybe my next one. In fact, I’m positive I’ll have time. I’m coming back as our cat!
We are having our first ever Christmas in our home in New Plymouth this year. We moved here in 2016. As a family we have always been the ones to hop on a plane or jump in the car to visit other family and friends around NZ and the world. It’s just easier for us as we’re used to it. But we are really looking forward to not having to load the car up with Christmas presents –trying to hide a scooter or cricket bat and pads behind the bags isn’t as easy as you might think – leg room for everyone this year!
Early in the New Year we are heading to Waihi Beach with friends. It has become an annual thing without anyone realising. We really do rest and relax. We read, walk, eat too much, drink too much, play board games, have our annual parents vs kids water balloon fight and continue to get the boys practicing on the BBQ so we can one day sit back and really do nothing!
I hope you get a chance to relax this Summer. As a business owner, my mind never really relaxes completely but I try. It’s a conscious effort I think. I’m terrible at it but I’m always up for a challenge! We need to try to calm our minds and rest our bodies. The alternatives aren’t great if we don’t rest. If you need some inspiration, here’s a motto I lived by in London and it applies – within reason – to life in general.
“We’re here for a good time, not a long time, so make the most of it.”
Look after yourselves. Laugh, have fun, get out in the fresh air. Stay hydrated – I’m a fan of gin and bubbles myself! Smile through the family gatherings – remember the penguins in the Madagascar movie? “smile and wave boys, smile and wave.” Stay off your phones and talk to your family. Wear that outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion and eat that food you’ve been saving. This IS your special occasion!
See you all in 2023.
Belinda
