Self Challenge

Staying present has more to do with the mind than the body. Sure, I can physically be on the floor with Lyla doing a craft, but if my mind is thinking of the lunch I need to make or the things I need to get to, by no means am I present with my daughter. The main thing I've noticed in my journey in mindfulness is how much I watch the clock. According to the clock, my day is planned out for me - and mainly revolves around food. 

Wake up: breakfast. Playtime until snack. Crafts until lunch, then nap. Activities until dinner. And finally, a bath and stories or tv show before bed. Like clockwork - literally. I even found myself thinking things like "okay, just another hour before I can start making lunch" - how terrible that I am planning things with Lyla in order to "eat up time" between meals, rather than enjoying them with her in the moment. 

So, I proposed a challenge to myself. One day, when we have nothing to do, I'm not going to look at the clock. I'm not going to countdown the hours until Eric gets home and I can go for my run. I'm not going to plan things according to how long they will take or how close to lunchtime they will bring us. I will feed Lyla when she tells me she's hungry, not when the clock strikes 11. I'll sit and play with my girls and let time fly by, blissfully unaware of the time frame I'm in. 

It sounds so simple, but knowing how often I check the time, I know it will be difficult. But I also know it will be worth it, and allow me to be one step closer to a clear mind and being fully present in motherhood. 

Here goes nothing.