Thank Goodness It’s Monday

If we want stability in our family, society, nation, and the world, we need to create stability in individual human beings.” – Sadhguru

This weekend I:

  • Walked a half marathon (27k steps over 2 ½ days)
  • Celebrated the achievements of this youngest generation of scientists and explorers (took my kids to a 5 year old birthday party and set up marble tracks, cheered for kids figuring out how to slide fast and slow, )
  • Practiced medicine (2 boo-boos, and tummy ache)
  • Work to help prevent disease and disorganization (did 5 loads of laundry, supervised young hands wiping down counters and sinks, changed the sheets, mowed the lawn, organized a utility closet, and did at least 1000 dishes)
  • Exercised hearts and minds (played 2 games of family soccer, reenacted light saber scenes, played Chinese checkers, read a half a dozen books aloud, and told a dozen stories, played at least a dozen rounds of keep away with Cooper the dog)
  • Fed the hungry (prepared seven meals, a bazillion snacks, five meals for the dog, three meals for the cat)
  • Coached positive techniques for conflict resolution and expressing healthy boundaries (settled at least a half dozen power struggles and fits of big emotion)

No, I’m not aiming to do a victory lap here (for one thing I’m too tired 🙂 ). But my weekend reminds me that:

  1. We don’t give caretakers nearly enough credit for the amount of energy and skill it takes to keep other beings alive.
  2. I’m a much better parent because I work. The dozen things I need to get done at work on Monday seem like child’s play… compared to a weekend of playing with children.
  3.  Kids and pets reflect the care they get…and so do caregivers. None of it is possible unless caregivers fill up their tank.

Happy Monday, everyone!

62 thoughts on “Thank Goodness It’s Monday

  1. Well said, Wynne. And for me at least, it was very much the case that I was a better parent because I worked. Because work gave me an identify and fulfillment beyond being a mother, as much as I cherished that role, and that was very important to me.

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  2. I’m thinking you’re courageous decision to become a single Mom Wynne has spared you from the ‘stability’ of the “Nine to five what a way to make a living” standard routine where Mondays are often a bummer 😀

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  3. Oh my goodness…we’ve done it again. I just posted about caregiving…there are so many ways in which we look out for those we love. What a beautiful post about your jam-packed weekend, doing what you do so well, being the most terrific mom. (And I know you’re not looking for that praise, but I’m sending it anyhow!)
    And you know me…I’m happiest reading about all the meals and snacks. The other tasks are important, but you know…the foodie in me. Yay for a great weekend and hello, Monday! 🥰

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    1. Like a walk in the park – exactly, Julia! I had a friend who used to tease me about some of my mountain climbing expeditions — they were walks in the park. True! Some walks are harder than others, right? 🙂 Happy Monday, dear Julia!! ❤

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  4. I’m exhausted! From your weekend and mine. 🤣 You’re right though Wynne, caretakers don’t get enough credit. Enjoy your rest day at work. 🤣 You’re quite the mom. You definitely deserve it. 🤣 And don’t worry you’ll get a whole Sunday in May as appreciation. 🤣

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    1. I’m laughing, Alegria! Right – a whole Sunday in May. I’m sure I’ll just have my feet up, lazing around as will you. Love that you were so busy still taking care of your kids – by watching your grandpup. Tiring — and lovely!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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  5. Nit only did I get tired just reading your list, Wynne, but I arranged a sedan chair and four carriers to move you around, as needed. My goodness are you productive,!

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  6. Sounds like such a busy but rewarding weekend. Way to go on all that mileage you got through your walk!

    Your observations about parenting and how it illuminates how we perceive the rest of our life is spot on!

    Wishing you all a terrific week ahead. 1 down, 4 to go!

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    1. Kym – please have one on my behalf too!! 🙂 I sometimes get a glass of wine after the kids go to bed and find it just makes me more tired. But cheers to celebrate everyone that deserves it on this day and every day!

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  7. Quite the weekend, Wynne. I agree with your statement that “I’m a much better parent because I work.” I’ve always believed that my daughters learned organization skills and work ethic from seeing me juggle everything I had to do yet still make time for the thing that matters.

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  8. I remember these days well, lots of fun, lots of clean-up, lots of exhausting. Sometimes, I couldn’t wait to get back to work on Monday with it’s more narrow-focused requirements.

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