When the baby sleeps...

  My daughters are away this week. I have caught up with the washing and tidied the house. I have a list of other chores that could be 'achieved'. I was speaking to a friend today whose partner has gone into respite for a week. She also has a list as long as your arm of jobs to catch up on! It soon became very apparent that this time of solitude and quiet could so easily be devoured by 'duties'! 
  I was reminded of when my daughters were babies, each time they fell asleep I would catch up with things that needed doing and then wonder why I was permanently exhausted. I have therefore decided that, whilst some things do need attention, I shall prioritise. This is a golden opportunity to step back from the frenetic balancing act and say "NO" to my own self-enforced sense of responsibility. 
  We usually forget to make time for ourselves and can then end up giving with resentment which is worse than not giving at all. Making tiny adjustments and respecting our own needs creates a world of difference. So, whether your 'baby' is a project, a business, a duty or something that you would feel guilty about not completing, put a stop to your nagging thoughts about getting everything done. Allow it to rest and sleep at an appropriate time and use these precious moments to relax, perhaps meditate or to go out and enJOY yourself! In my case right now I am going to have an afternoon nap!
  Giving ourselves permission to 'let go' of our internal conflict between demands and guilt is a wonderful gift! When the baby sleeps we have the chance to  recharge our own batteries and that, and only that, is what we should be doing.