Time to get on my bike…
At last, the weather was mild enough to get on my bike….Yippee!!!
Juggling work, demands of the children, husband and home- leaves very little “ME” time. However, last week, I was determined to make time to meet my dear friend for lunch. She’s an absolute gem and we both love biking and the outdoors. With all my family back in Scotland (and working from home) I very rarely get time away from the children. I’m not complaining-but we all need time away from our loved ones, (even if it’s just an hour with a friend). The kids need it as much as we do.
When I’m on my bike I feel like a kid again. That sense of freedom-that I can go wherever I want.
Heading down to the lake I snapped a shot of the view. It’s a beautiful ride and easy too… down hill all the way.
My friend and I shared a few laughs and collected little treasures from the shore. As we neared the end of our walk along the lake appreciating the tranquility and the lapping of the water, geese arrived. Lots of geese.
Both my friend and I spend a lot of time outdoors with our families.
And guess what…so do Geese!
These gorgeous birds are real family-oriented birds. Usually in their second year of life, a Canadian goose will find a mate and stay with it for life. Both parents look after their young and the family spends all of its time together.
Then they were off…
And so was I…I had to meet Sam coming out of school.
Happy to be free from school- Sam gave me one of those loving-happy smiles that makes a mother melt. He asked for the bike and helmet, lowered the seat and handed me his back pack.
Guess who was walking home.
As I walked, he peddled slowly (he wouldn’t be going anywhere fast-it’s up hill all the way home). Having spent a wonderful hour down at the lake with my best friend, I was relaxed and eager to hear about his day and I felt totally tuned in.
Sometimes I’m not tuned in
When your in the house, although you’re there in person, occasionally, you’re not always tuned in-giving them the full attention they so rightly deserve.
Being Outdoors (and grabbing some ME time) helps you tune in
An hour later we arrived home……….. happy and healthy.
What do you do with your- ME time?
Canadian Geese -Get the Facts from Canadian Wildlife Federation
Canada geese and other migratory waterfowl make use of natural wetlands as habitat. Unfortunately, Canada’s wetlands continue to disappear. As much as 70 per cent of Canada’s original wetlands have been lost in some areas of the country.
Help conserve these precious habitats for Canada geese, other wildlife and people. Learn more about how you can help conserve Canada’s wetlands! visit: http://www.ducks.ca/conserve/index.html
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s taken me three years to get some “me” time outside. Before I had kids, I spent a ton of time outside. Often alone, sometimes with friends. Well, not really alone–I almost always had my trusty Malamute. This winter my husband and I started trading weekends and taking a day off. On my solo days I’ve been cross country skiing and it has been amazing. You’re right, nothing like playing outside to help you focus on family.
PS We have tons of Canada geese in the park near our house.
Another lovely post about a topic that is very near & dear to me. I often need reminding that I need “me” time; that without it I am doing a disservice to our family. Being an outdoor lover myself, I have recently begun taking hikes. Sometimes I go with a friend, sometimes alone. I enjoy discovering a new place and I love the quiet solitude that helps me regroup. No matter how much (or little) time I have to myself, it always makes a difference when I’m back home with the kids. These days I am definitely more connected. And that means the world to me — and to them, I’m sure.
Hi Debi and Mel, thanks for your great comments. It really is crucial to grab some of that ME time in order to really appreciate others around you. I’m so delighted you and Mel get that time to hike or ski. For me being outdoors is the most natural thing in the world and given any free time-I would choose to be outdoors over anything. Have a great weekend girls!