Finding the freedom to have fun, and take breaks when I need them

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

One of the hardest things in my life is choosing to have fun. And taking breaks from the many tasks and chores of every day life.

That is why this week when first circumstance, then choice led to my taking a day off from all exercise, I had to convince myself that it was okay. Which is odd, considering that it wasn't that long ago that I had full weeks of gaming, painting and role playing. Part of that is the price of having kids of course. But I have friends with kids the same age as mine who still find the time to get out 1-2 nights a week. Which just isn't me, not any more.

So given that dedication to family, and being home with them, that I shouldn't be surprised when I have a hard time taking a break from my new habits of exercise. Because if I have a hard time convincing myself to take time out to get out of the house to have fun, it stands to reason that I might have a hard time convincing myself that it is okay to not take a walk on a given day.

With all of that as background I am pretty excited to have a night out this week. And it really made a difference to take the day off from exercise yesterday. Just have to remind myself of 2 things. First, 1 day off or 1 night away from the family will not kill me or make life unbearable for Kim & the kids. Second, just don't make a habit of either one to the point where I stop exercising, or spend too much time away from the family.

A side note

Emily is sorely testing her limits recently. Almost every morning includes at least 1 tantrum, and threatened time out or actual time out. I know this will pass, and I just have to stand firm as far as ignoring as much as I can, and not letting her tantrum turn into my tantrum. I just have to maintain an even keel when she loses it, and not let her get the best of me.