It was still dark out as I rolled over this morning, clock read 6:32am. Why? I ask myself. The house was quiet and dark. I grabbed the blankets and rolled over … sleep longer I told myself, you have the chance to.
I was looking forward to this weekend. For the last couple months I have had the boys every weekend, or at least part of it. Work schedules aligned in just such a way and am I no one to argue with the opportunity. It is great getting the extra time with the boys, would not have it any other way. I was suppose to have this this weekend as well, but I guess there was a change in plans. This left me home alone for the weekend … a chance to relax, catchup, get some me time.
I finally rose and made my way downstairs for coffee, thinking to myself, “I should really have gotten up for a run this morning”. I was out of practice, out of the discipline of my morning workouts. I have been lazy of late, if I am honest with myself. Sat down at the computer to get some things done that just ‘need doing’, but focus remained difficult. As I sat there, chatting with a friend they finally said “I will let you get back to your work” … and it hit me. That was my only connection at the moment and I was bothered by it ending … I was lonely. It is not depression, more a desire for company — even if I know having company would only be a distraction from getting my stuff done. Having the boys provides endless amounts of company, and most days without them are so busy I don’t have time to sit alone.
Yet, today the house was empty. I had hours before I had to be anywhere. I had piles of work that needed doing. I have an endless TODO list … so there is no way that I can claim I am bored. But the house was empty, I had no where to be. Yet, I was grasping to conversations for a connection to someone and I knew that staying in my current mindset was not a solution. It was time for that run.
“As the body moves, the mind grooves” – Jim Kwik
Running is not what is important … it was the break, and a break where you are not distracted by external sources. Leaving the phone, the computer, the tv … and life behind for half an hour allowed me to focus on listening to my inner-self. Loneliness is not new, but I thought I had gotten past this point. Where was this coming from? I have solid friendships. I have a new job that has captured a lot of my attention recently. I am not dwelling on my past relationship, actually quite satisfied with where my life sits. As the pavement passed beneath my feet I was able to release my mind, which grasped on moving forward. I needed to do this more. I needed to take care of myself. I needed to once again become comfortable with myself. Life has been so busy for so long … it is time for a break with just me. I just needed to accept that.
With the midday sun beating down I rounded back through the gates of the complex. Sweat was dripping from my forehead and I slowed to a walk. Close to 5k and it felt good. I could feel the blood pumping through my body. I closed my eyes and let the sensation of the light breeze run over my skin. I felt alive. Think it was more, I just needed to get out into the sunshine.
Alone time is important. Allows you to look inside and see some of the things you need to see, and it doesn’t always need to be a long time. Remember your inner-self often can shout loud enough to get through all the noise around you. You have to provide the time and space to listen to yourself.
Now … back to work.
It is difficult being a single parent. Stressful to deal with with school schedules, extracurricular activities, and then attempting to manage your own life. So, co-parenting to lend a break in the schedule and allow you time to focus on you. Extended breaks due to vacations and holidays can be nice to, giving a parent that day-off to focus on themselves can be incredibly powerful. Christmas is more difficult emotionally, it is culturally defined as family time so when you are not with your family it can be incredibly hard.