Sabbatical

This past month, January of 2012, I took some time off for myself.  I spent the month mainly in my art studio, reconnecting with the things that I love to do.  I also spent a large part of my time cooking, which is another creative activity that I love.  My freezer is now filled with containers of easily accessible meals and my recipe blog, loveyathemom.blogspot.com, is bursting with new recipes and information about the foods that we eat.

As much as I believe in the value of the work that people do with and for others, I also believe in the importance of good self-care if a person is to be of value to others.  To continually take without replenishing leaves me tired and wondering when in the world I'll ever find the time to do the things that I believe need to be done.

As part of my jumping back into the fray I decided to explore websites and blogs dedicated to care of the senior population.  Some of the sites had sections about creative ideas.  Almost every posting was at least 40 to 60 months old.  Have the last 3 to 5 years been especially difficult and overwhelming, or did caregivers simply loss interest and a sense of purpose?  Maybe it's time for an all out recharging of personal batteries.  What do you love to do?  Have you given yourself the gift of time to enjoy whatever it is that buoys you up and keeps you at your best?  This could be the perfect time!