When I entitled this blog “The Many Hats of a Mom” I listed a few of the different hats that I wear on a regular basis. However, I realized the other day that I failed to include one very vital hat, the Hat of Me!
We have spent the past couple of weeks being snowed in. Had I just had to deal with the record breaking amount of snow I think I might have done ok. But with the snow came some different challenges. These challenges caused me to take a hard look at my life and the need to make some changes.
Towards the end of the second week I was talking to Keith and Kyle and made the following statement. “I need a hobby. I need something I can do that is just for me. A creative outlet that allows me to walk away from everything else and just have fun.” That one comment lead me to explore the Hat of Me!
I’ve always been a very duty bound individual. A lot of what I do I do because I feel it’s my duty and if I don’t do it who will. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining about the things I have chosen to do. Most of what I do I love to do and enjoy doing it. However, lately according to Kyle I have forgotten to “Unstring my Bow”. For any of you that do not understand what it means to unstring a bow or why it’s so important, I will give you the condensed version.
One must unstring a bow to release the pressure on the string. By releasing the pressure when you are not using the bow it actually keeps your string from becoming stretched out and weak. If you fail to release this pressure the next time you go to shoot your arrow it will not go as far nor will it perform as well.
You might be asking how does this relate to me. I seem to always have my bow strung. I am always under pressure. Which has rendered me less effective in everything I do.
I still have all the other hats I wear I am just adding one more, The Hat of Me! I have started a journal and am keeping a weekly accounting of what I am doing and how I am spending my time. Included in this is time spent doing something for the pure enjoyment of it, something just for me.
What do I hope comes from this?
1. I will explore and develop new talents.
2. I will actually be more effective in those things I need and are required to do.
3. I will become more well rounded, happier and under less stress and pressure.
I am excited to start and have high hopes for a better, happier, more effective ME!
