Discovering Me Time

I did not set out to find my own space/ Me Time! The Me Time I love is just practicing piano. It is the only 30 minutes a day, but I love it! I love it because I am giving myself 100% of my own attention to me. What is my body doing in response? I am focused, listening, thinking of beats and just the sheer sound of whatever melody I play.

I think everyone needs to have their own, " Me Time." I, like many career mom's, juggle work, family, sports, kids social calendars, volunteer etc. I know on some days I am mentally so drained from running my kids to their things, keeping home, grocery shopping, cheering them at their events, cooking, shopping,caring for pets, going out with a girlfriend, other family obligations and being a wife.

Interestingly, when we bought the piano it was for my daughter who expressed an interest in studying piano. I thought to myself, I have always wanted to play. So I signed up for lessons too. When the instructor, John asked me about my skill level, I told him, "I have none. I just want to learn how to play. I am in no rush."John asked me what types of music I liked. Gosh, I like jazz fusion, anything with sax and horns, rock, disco, alternative & easy listening.

After my first class, I was thinking, "Wow, now I have to practice.!" When?

What I have discovered is that I practice when the mood strikes me. But for me it may be 15 minutes in the morning before work, !5 minutes before I start dinner and then another 30 minutes in the evening. I have discovered it relaxes me. "Trust me, when you have two girls, sometimes there is bickering so loud you just want ear plugs."

There has to be something said about finding things that can relax the mind and body. Everyone has their own thing. My husband has to work out. My best friend likes to cook.I know after I have practiced I feel like I have accomplished alittle something for me. In looking back to my teen years, i remember just turning up the volume to my favorite music and just going into a mental zone.It relaxed me then, the only difference is, now I can physically learn to play a melody.

Did you know dopamine is the reason we love music and why it has been around so long. Music has been known to induce dopamine. It is like a natural high. I know when ilisten to certain music, I kinda drift off mentally. It is a wonderful happy feeling.

Everyone needs and deserves me time. I think you have to carve it out somewhere in the day. I love my mornings. I love getting up, drinking my coffee and reading the paper, checking email before my kids get up. Now adays. i rarely get to do that. What has replaced my morning, me time, is our adopted dog. I have to walk her every morning. When the weather is nice out, I consider it me time. But, not in the winter.

When i practice the piano, I am guaranteed not to be disturbed. But If I am in any part of my home, my kids, dog and husband will find me. They will call out,"Where's mom and then a trail of requests will follow."

I don't feel guilty for having me time; neither should you! So go ahead, go carve out your own, "Me time!"