much needed.

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There are a lot of things I need in this season of my life, this season of motherhood and work, and being a wife and friend.  I have to believe I’m not alone in having these needs either.  Right now, on this Tuesday night, what I need is some time.  I feel like a college student again as I walk in the quiet halls of our county library, trying to find “my spot”.  ya know, the one I can kick my shoes off, plug in my headphones and turn on the lamp.  I found it.  and I can take a deep breath.

the end of last summer, I was really struggling.  with being home all day everyday alone with the kids.  I was at a high school graduation lunch and my new friend, Amanda, must have seen it all over my face.  We got to talking, and she told me that something that really helped her in the very same season in her life, was when her husband offered her one night “off”.  One night a week that he would come home at 6pm and she was done.  I’m sure I cried a few tears of relief during our conversation finally seeing that I wasn’t alone in my struggle.  I called my husband immediately after that lunch, and he said lets go.

so every tuesday since last August, I’ve had a “night off”.  He comes home at 6pm [usually on the dot] and from that point on I can do whatever my heart so desires.  He bathes the kids + gets them ready for bed, and cleans the kitchen, picks up the toys…ya know, all those little things us mamas do on cruise control.  and I…..

well tonight I’m at the library.  alone.  in the quiet.  writing.  worshiping.  just Being.  and later?  well, I’m going to meet the girls for a much over do margaritas on the patio counseling session  hang out time.  Most of 2014 we’ve been doing a bible study on Tuesday nights at 8, so tonight is the first night back to our regular programming.

and ya know what?  I love it.  I need it.  I used to think it was “bad” or I would feel guilty for not wanting to be home 100% of the time.  but when I go away, it only makes me better.  some Tuesday nights I wonder the aisles of Target or Home Goods, sometimes I go to coffee [or margs!] with friends, sometimes I just want to be alone with my words.  but I need it.

so, I guess what I’m trying to say is – there is FREEDOM there.  so if you are in the place of struggle, feeling suffocated or like you just need some alone time or you will scream…there is hope my dear friends.  do what works for you.  what works for your family.  feel the freedom in it!

do you already do this?  what is it that works for you?  let’s encourage each other! 

Hey, I'm Wynne!

Hi, friend! First, I truly am so giddy that you are here. I want you to know I believe in you and all the ways you are growing towards living a more intentional life.  I genuinely hope you are encouraged from our time together here.

A little about me, I’m a type 7 on the enneagram, a total extrovert + people lover, entrepreneur, connector, storyteller, people gatherer, and passionate wife, mama + friend. I feel most alive when I’m exploring new places and surrounded by people I love. Give me a day in the outdoors disconnected from wifi, and I am a happy girl. I run on oat milk lattes, Jesus, gratitude journaling and kitchen dance parties with my four kids.
Welcome, come on in!

let'e be friends

  1. Kari says:

    Wynne, I love this post! It’s amazing all the guilt we can feel as moms when we “self care” but if we’re not caring for us, things get really messed up! I’m happy you have a hubs that understands that! As a mama of a 20, 17, & 6 year old I totally get it! Freedom as moms is a gift & necessity to keep doing our best! Thanks for sharing & wish I could have met y’all for margaritas!!

    • Wynne says:

      thank you kiki! it’s so true- i’m so thankful for a husband who allows me that time to as you said, self care! it’s so important! love you! and yes, i wish you could too!!!

  2. Kallie Karper Pitcock says:

    I need this but sadly my husbands work schedule won’t let it happen. It’s great you’ve been able to find time for you! I definitely squeeze out time when I can. Why do I feel guilty about it!? It definitely makes me a better mom!

  3. Erika Riggs says:

    i love libraries. and i love that this is the place you seek. 🙂

  4. Meg Johnson says:

    Love this! I have my Saturdays. In this season I don’t have my life partner I don’t get daily breaks. But three Saturdays a month my mother in law takes mine. That night I just veg out alone! So many cannot understand why I spend those nights in pjs, at home in a very quiet house. I do it to stay SANE. So many cannot understand how I can let me kiddos even from the age of just barely 2 to spend the nights. Again I do it to stay SANE! I have had my Saturdays for the last two years and without them I couldn’t keep doing this single mom life!

  5. Hannah Bunker says:

    Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes. I think the first week our twins were home, I told my husband, “We’re going to have to figure out something for each of us to escape and recharge.” And we had waited 4 years to become parents before we adopted the twins. So there was some guilt in feeling like I needed a break when this was all I’ve ever wanted. But it’s a hard privilege. So we just have to show ourselves grace and do what we need to do to be the kind of parents we need to be. And if that’s an escape date every Tuesday night, so be it. I feel you on this, Wynne. 100% absolutely. Mine’s not scheduled, but I’m pretty good about just saying “Someone help” and I’ll get out to recharge (usually to a coffee shop with my laptop). One of my favorites is hanging out with my few sister-like girlfriends to have “heart chats” as I call them. You could also call them counseling sessions. 😉 That’s just balm to my soul when I can do that with my gals. 🙂

  6. Lindsy Wallace says:

    Girl. My night is Tuesday too! Wish we were closer, we could double date;-)

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