Your free time

Part of my problem is that I spend too much time getting sucked into the vacuum called the internet….and it’s hard to see that as a time-waster because I’m usually spending that time reading articles or posts about homeschooling or home management topics or researching books to buy, better ways to do things, etc. (Like this morning, following my daughter’s telling me she had signed up & shared a photo on Instagram, I spent a good half hour reading up on that.)

When I do say, “I’m done with chores for today” or on Sunday afternoons when we don’t have anything scheduled, I usually read something along the lines of inspirational fiction (not exactly classic literature, but not completely twaddle!), and I especially like to read a series from one author. I think this just makes me feel like I’m “resting from my labors” as opposed to reading something that would fall into the category of planning for school or some such thing.

I used to crochet and do counted cross-stitch, but I haven’t done much of that since my kids were born. I just never felt like I had the time to complete anything, or I felt like there was too much left undone around the house to justify doing those things. Not a good way to avoid burnout or devaluing yourself as a person, right? Even Jesus, while here on earth, knew the value of getting away from the crowds from time to time.

I did crochet a scarf for each of my kids for Christmas, and since I had a specific deadline, I made time for it, like crocheting while waiting during my kids’ Wednesday bible groups instead of running off to do a few errands. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed doing it, so I think I should just pick a project, set a reasonable deadline for completing it, and then simply ward off all guilt for spending the time doing it.

I read read read, check email and forums, blog, or just rest for a bit with my feet up.

I spend time playing music.  I am learning the violin to teach my kids, since we can’t do a teacher right now.   So i practice that first.  If I have time I’ll play some flute or piano, since those are the instruments I actually know how to play. 

When dh wants to watch tv together in the evening, i’ll do some cross-stitch or crochet.  I can’t just sit and watch. Sometimes I’ll crochet while the kids are playing, but cross stitch doesn’t work as well in small time chunks.

Reading, of course, and checking blogs and forums. As many people say, though, I probably do that too much.

Planning for school.  Working on Rosetta Stone Spanish to keep ahead of the kids. 

Dreaming about the redecorating I’d love to do in my house if I ever get the time and budget. 

I want to learn to bake different types of breads and rolls, etc.  I do our basic whole wheat bread for sandwiches and toast, but that’s just a simple recipe.   So i hope to spend some time doing that soon.

Checking email and blogs, knitting, reading, school planning, sewing, and looking up projects that I will never get around to.  🙂

I spend time knitting, reading, quilting, and, of course, the internet.  

I never feel guilty about me time, without it the home would not be so content or run so smoothly, no-one should feel guilty about doing it, and if they don’t make time for themselves, then perhaps it should be a part of your new plan, it improves the home in many ways.  I did not count Bible time in my list, because that is not something I do in free time, that is done everyday even if I am super busy.  When the girls were little, we all took what was our free time, they could read, color, nap, play quietly while mum did her things…it worked very well.

I like to read, work on quilts for each of my kids, gardening and preserving the harvest in spring, summer and fall, play piano, and take a nap on sunday afternoons (especially in winter). I check mail and the internet in between all of that a little bit at a time and do not feel guilty. Where else would I come up with fresh ideas and new books to read etc?