This is an advertisement for SheSpeaks/St. Martins Press regarding The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
How do you make time for yourself? Do you make time for yourself at all? While I’m not very into writing New Years Resolutions for myself, I am into making some goals. I’ve been meeting with my besties in order to create some SMART goals and one of mine isn’t work related at all… it’s self-care related! I’ve been so terrible at making time for myself, even down to getting breakfast in the morning. So, in 2017, I made goals to get more haircuts, eat breakfast every morning, and attempt to read/listen to more books and enjoy some entertainment just by myself. Lofty goals for a working mom of 2, but it was important to me!
Since summer is creeping closer, I reflected on one of my favorite summer activities: reading. In my single, child-free days, I would devastate a hardback novel on vacation. I dog-eared favorite copies of books by the pool, sweet tea in hand and sun-hat on my head. With children, summers have been very different. Monitoring young swimmers is a full-attention gig, and even trips to the playground with a bold Red and a scrambling Scarlett means my eyes are on them. So how do I make time to read in the summer?
Designated Naptimes
I rely on Scarlett’s naptimes a lot. Since Red has been in school, it’s my 90-120 minutes to get stuff DONE. Anything goes, save vacuuming (too noisy!), so it’s work, cleaning, projects and relaxation time. Proper planning is key, so during a few naptimes this summer, Red will be in his playroom and I’ll be within earshot of them both, sipping tea and delving into a great read!
Saturday Morning (Cartoons)
Remember sitting in front of the Tv on Saturday mornings with a bowl of sugary cereal? It was always the best time, still clad in pajamas with a special breakfast, watching She-Ra, Inspector Gadget, and the Smurfs. Oh, wait… and I dating myself? Shhhhh!! While my kids are more apt to choose muffins or waffles, I’ll gladly throw on a Disney animated classic with breakfast while I sip coffee at the kitchen table and take to reading. Yes, I’ll be pulled away for more syrup or cleanup, but it’s a great way to snag 20 minutes to myself for reading a chapter while they enjoy themselves before the weekend starts.
Daddy Time
When my husband takes times to be with the kids by himself, I’m always grateful. While we make the best parenting team around, working together on projects, schedules and even meal plans, taking time for each ourselves is important, and we’re happy to step up and allow the other to get some me-time! It’s also important for us to take time together on special date nights!
After Hours
When the kids go to bed, it’s time for me to unwind. This usually means bingeing a couple of episodes of my favorite show, enjoying a movie or dessert with Chase, or something in line with my summer goals, like reading! This spring, I’m picking up some historical fiction along with my cup of tea, which is one of my guilty pleasures. Author Kristin Hannah’s novel The Nightingale, available on Amazon, is about to be released in paperback, which means it’s an easy toss into my pool bag or my carry-on for travel. I love historical fiction, and since Hannah’s novel covers a sister’s view on World War II, it’s a great fit for me. Hannah describes the two very different sisters in such an emotional way, it’s amazing how quickly I was able to understand and relate to Vianne and Isabelle. I feel like I’m a great mix of Isabelle’s fire and reaction and Vianne’s measured cautious approach. While there isn’t as much physical action as one might see on the battlefield, the sisters each play their part to push and pull against each other in a charged political climate… I won’t say more, so I don’t spoil it for you. Be sure to enter the giveaway for your copy in the Rafflecopter below…Be sure to enter the giveaway for your copy in the Rafflecopter below…
Christina Baker Kline, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train said about The Nightingale, “In this epic novel, set in France in World War II, two sisters who live in a small village find themselves estranged when they disagree about the imminent threat of occupation. Separated by principles and temperament, each must find her own way forward as she faces moral questions and life-or-death choices. Haunting, action-packed, and compelling.” You can read more about Author Kristin Hannah on her Facebook page.
Great tips! I’m usually trying to get all the work done during those times, but I need to spend more time on myself.
Great post. And great read…. THE NIGHTINGALE. its hard to not read in one setting.