Over the last few years, I have worked to make the mental switch to valuing experiences over things. But sometimes those experiences come in an unexpected form – time to myself. My favorite and most treasured experiences are with the people I love, but a little time to myself can go a long way to recharge or reinvigorate my mood and mental state.
My #1 favorite way to do that is by reading a good novel, propped up on my bed with a bunch of pillows. Preferably with dark chocolate and a glass of wine within arm’s reach. My second favorite recharge/pick me up is a solo trip for coffee and a croissant. In college I lived near one of the best coffee/croissant houses in town. They specialized in croissants that had melted cheese with ham or spinach on the inside. That coffee shop was my second home.
Back then I was trying to cram for quizzes and tests; now I have less cramming but more worries. Kids. Mortgage. Kids. Mortgage. Adulting can be rough. But when I can, I take a mental break and create some white space in my mind. I like to sip my coffee, pull apart my croissant and dream. I love dreaming about ideas for the future, for my family, for my blog. I think about a future of traveling. And what kind of future legacy I want to instill in my kids. How I want to impress upon them a sense of fun and adventure. How I want to teach them to treasure this precious, short life. How I want to teach them to love well and abundantly.
But I can’t do any of these things if I don’t carve out that solo time. I have to stop doing, so I can actually think. And be still. It’s so hard in this busy, busy world to do that. Honestly, I’m terrible at it. It feels like the last thing on the priority list, but it shouldn’t be.
We need downtime and white space to dream, to catapult us upward and onward, to grow.
cardigan: Cuyana
top: c/o Only Child
jeans: vintage (similar)
boots: c/o Nisolo
necklace: Pursuits of Happiness
reusable coffee cup: Keepcup (I bought this for my husband for Christmas, but like it so much I had to steal it for these photos.)
location: Lovejoy Bakers
photography: Kiara Rose
LOVE THIS OUTFIT!!!!
Everything about it goes and is perfect. Still crushing on that necklace.
Taking ME time is so important, especially when you become a Mom, and last priority.
I’ve started working out 3x/week at home for 20 minutes and it’s made a huge difference. I also read after I put Kaden to bed for at least 20-30 minutes a night over watching TV and it helps a lot.
Have a great rest of your week! XO!
Yes, ME time is infinitely harder after becoming a mom, I agree! But even more important! The changes you made sound perfect, I’m taking notes! Have a great weekend Jodie!
I’m so much better at my job, as a spouse, and as a mom when I actually make time to take care of myself. Everything feels balanced. Love your outfit and where is your cute canvas bag from. I love the pop of color it adds along with your necklace.
Yesssss…. exactly what you said! I know this, yet it’s still hard for me to make the time. I’ll be keeping this perspective in my mind! Thank you for the reminder. And the tote bag was a gift from Everlane! They sent it to me along with a donation in my name to the ALCU. :) I’ve looked on their site, but I don’t think the bags are for sale.
Lovely post. I’m going to try reading with tons of pillows. Great idea.
Tell me how you like it!! ;)
Yes, this is so important! I’ve definitely been neglecting my “me” time since my daughter was born. But now that she’s sleeping better, I’ve been waking up at 5 so I can have a glorious hour and a half of alone time. Not quite as luxurious as a solo trip to the coffee shop but it’s better than nothing :)
And what have you been reading lately? I’m always looking for recommendations!
That is super impressive!! I need to get back into the habit of early rising. I had a year where I was really good at it, and I felt great. Just need to get to bed earlier!
Right now I am reading The Floating World, which is about hurricane Katrina, it’s really interesting. And a few books that have stayed with me since I read them: the Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott, such beautiful writing. And The Leavers by Lisa Ko, was reaally good.