Sometimes, we as Moms just need a break! Raise your hand if you have ever felt this way. I’m here today to tell you not to feel bad about this…not one bit. Not only do we need a break from the day to day caretaking, cleaning, feeding, driving, working, loving, wiping, and non-stop go- go- going, but our children (and sometimes spouses!) need a break from us! They might not think so, but they do. I promise.

A “break” might look very different at different points of the year, or even in your life. It could be a weekend getaway with the girls! It might be a night out to dinner and a movie. For me, recently, my favorite “getaway” has become shopping at the local Walmart by myself on Saturday mornings. No, I’m not kidding!

This Saturday in particular, I was cruising the store…killing two hours of time while my middle child was at a nearby practice. This is the third weekend in a row that I’ve done this – so I think it’s becoming a routine! I found myself eager to throw on my hoodie and get her going on Saturday morning…anticipating my time alone! How silly this might sound: me, a hoodie, Walmart…really it’s not very glorious, and it doesn’t involve bottles of wine, a manicure, or a massage. Face it people…its Walmart. This is what I’m looking forward to! So, keeping it positive…it’s ME time!

As I walked through the store slowly browsing, but still picking up the few items my family needed, I noticed the other parents with young children attempting to shop. One brother was climbing on his younger sister’s back for a piggy back ride. One little boy was sitting angrily on the floor, refusing to move if he didn’t get the toy he wanted. Another Mom, much like me, was trying to navigate the aisles with three kids…knocking things down as they fought for the spot to stand with Mom. Now, all of these behaviors are difficult! And they are the topic for another blog…because on this day, I realized…I was enjoying some me time! I didn’t have to wipe any noses, or pick up objects, or rush to complete the shopping list before the next meltdown. And all it took was a trip to the store alone!

So, find some time for YOU, even if it is just an hour or two alone. It will feel so good, and you deserve it! Maybe pick something a little bit more exotic than I did, though!

What are some of your favorite ways to steal a few moments alone?

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