Sep 30 2008
Pre-flight Jitters
Do you know what time it is, as I type this blog?
3:23am
Why the heck am I awake at 3:23am?
I think it’s called “Pre-flight Jitters.”
I’m not afraid of flying (although the idea of falling out of the sky in a fiery ball of metal definitely isn’t my idea of a good time). I’m not even worried about leaving my kids, since I know they’ll be well taken care of. I think I’m just mega-excited at the thought of having 5 days of no “Mommy Responsibilities.” (That, and I have not packed and don’t feel quite ready to go, which may have something to do with it.)
A good friend asked me if I will miss my kids when I’m gone. I had to pause for a moment to plan my words carefully, and this is what I came up with:
“Sure, I will miss my kids, but honestly, I refuse to spend my lovely trip pining over them.”
Guess what her response was.
Do you think she gasped in horror that I made such an audacious statement? Hung up on me? Called me a “bad mom?”
Nope!
She breathed a sigh of relief and said, “That is so refreshing to hear.”
Here’s the thing: it is perfectly okay (and healthy) to take time away from your kids and not feel guilty about it. It’s okay to take a step away from them, allow yourself to miss them a little bit, and come back refreshed. What would be the point of going on a trip where I spent the entire time crying and missing my kids? I wouldn’t come back a better mom, that’s for sure.
Instead of pining over my children, I will spend the time away soaking in as much “me time” as I can hold. I’ll mentally stock up on coffee breaks, adult conversation, uninterrupted sleep, and warm meals. This way, in a couple of weeks when I find myself drinking cold coffee and speaking toddler-ease, I’ll have the memory of my 5 days of straight “me time” fresh in my subconscious.
At the very least, the term “absence makes the heart grow fonder” works with kids too. I know that on my trip I will forget those annoying little things that my toddlers do to test me and only think of how sweet and loving they are. Plus, I know that when I come home, my little Bug will be there to greet me with a hug and, “I miss you, Mommy!” Next to, “I love you, Mommy,” there are few things better than being missed.
Now, to dispel these pre-flight jitters and get to packing. Wait, it’s still the middle of the night. Okay, maybe sleep first and then pack.
I hope you do enjoy your trip. My son is at the age now to where he loves for us to leave him alone…lol.
Very refreshing to read! I feel like you’ve just given me permission to enjoy my time away form Sage!
So where are you going?