The 30 Day Me-time Challenge

Being at home isn't very difficult for me. I've  always been the kind that takes to a corner of the house and makes it her own. I'm quite a toad that way. But being at home when everyone else is sharing your space (and the help is away), now THAT'S  the truly challenging part.  I can share food, joy, memories, troubles, clothes and such other things. But I'm very territorial about my personal space. 

Of course that went right out the window after becoming a mother. Personal space had become an alien concept. However 6 months of this house arrest, pandering to everybody's needs reminded me the value of my own time. 

Now, 'me time' for many is a trip to the salon, perhaps a bit of shopping. You know, stuff like that. But salons make me restless, shopping is a chore I want to get done and over with (unless it's  a stationery store. Cannot resist those) and reading requires the kind of attention I am simply unable to give at this time. 

And so I figured, why not reconnect with an old flame instead? Out came the brushes and my kids' watercolour cakes. I set myself a target of 1 painting a day for the next 30 days. And let me tell you, it has not been easy. 

I've have had to fit it in an already  packed day and the first compromise therefore,  has been precious sleep. Then of course came the hunger to conquer whatever popped into my mind and the imminent impatience until I got it somewhat right. Impatience is not good for the body, let me tell you. It makes you binge eat like nothing else.

Next came the excitement  of sharing the work on social media. And the very liberating  feeling of  actually finding myself  at an age and stage in life where I don't  really care what people think. I am able to share without hankering  for a like (great when those come of course). I'm not hanging on to each comment either, which is a FANTASTIC  feeling to have. 

However,  sleep is a toxic stalker. It finally caught up with me this week and this means that I've  fallen behind on my schedule.  But I haven't  given up. Which is a great feat for me because I'm someone who never finishes. Especially  if it's something I know I can do. 

So this new 'me-time' has been more than just the paints and brushes. It's been a funny mixed bag. But above all, it's  been a recognition  of myself, just the way I am. 

19 down. 11 more to go.