My new rhythm

I have found a new rhythm to my day. It’s a simple adjustment but I am loving it.

So before I tell you the solution, let me explain the issue.

I am someone who gives a lot at work. When in conversations, I am listening and present, when preparing a slide deck, I try to be succinct and focused on the audience and when I prepare a speech, I try to be creative and engaging. Basically in the hours I am at work, I give it everything.

As a consequence, at some point, my body needs to give up.

It and I cant be “on” all the time.

So my usual rhythm is that I come home around 6/7, have dinner with my family, do some chores, put kiddies to bed, and then I head straight to the sofa and snuggle under a blanket. Evening over.

I am capable of simple conversation and sitcom viewing, but that’s about as far as it goes after 9pm. A phone call would even be a huge effort.

I am also at my happiest at this time. Its pure relaxation and I let myself just" be".

My husband is very aware of this rhythm and has worked out that if we need to do anything together eg tax declaration, decision on wardrobe design, brainstorming on garden overhaul, there is a window of about 30 mins around 8.45pm.

I wish it were different, namely that in the evening I had the energy and inclination to sort out old photos, empty overstuffed drawers, pull out some recipes for the week, call my friends, but I have accepted it isn’t. And quite possibly, this rhythm is healthy and exactly what I need to find my equilibrium and balance.

However I do feel sorry for my husband sometimes, as I really don’t offer him much fun and entertainment in the evening, and as said the exchange window is rather limited.

So on to my new solution.

Well we are in the fortunate and rather new situation, that our girls now take themselves off to school. So after the breakfast dash, toothbrush and hairbrush, at 7.50 they are out the door, on their way to the neighbouring school.

As many of you know, getting children into a car, especially in bad weather, driving them to the door then turning around and coming back, can really eat into your morning. So now without this school-run I am finding that my hubbie and I have up to an hour, in the morning, free.

Of course this could easily be filled with going to work early, but I am resisting this urge. Instead, hubby and I are putting the kettle on again and sitting down to have a chat.

It’s lovely. It’s our new found rhythm. 30 mins chat followed by a collective tidy around. Then a leisurely jump on my bike and I am still at work before 9.

Marvellous!

So let me ask you. What tweak can you make, in your day, that will make it that little bit better?