Investments Every Mom Should Make

I complain about back pains and headaches as often as I talk about Julia's toddler antics to my friends.  Fact is, I am getting old and Julia is growing up fast.  This means I have to take care of my health and I must spend my time on what really matters.  I know this (I wrote about this a lot of times) but it was only when Julia turned 3 that I began to understand:  Life is too short.  It is not about "having" time.  It is about MAKING/FINDING time to create memories with Don and Julia. 

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I wrote about my commitment to be present 100% for my family but sometimes often times, I find it very difficult to manage.  In short, hirap ako!  Things to do at work seems endless. Don and I manage to keep our weekends for the family but when our to-do list for the following week is too long, we go to a coffee shop to work for a few hours.  We invented this so-called "work date" thinking we are doing ourselves a favor by dating while working.  We tell people it's "work date" so we won't feel too guilty about working on a weekend when we should be spending time doing anything but work.  

As if work is not enough to keep us busy, we unconsciously let technology suck up the time we have left for ourselves and the family.  We multi-task like crazy people.  I read and respond to my emails while I am inside the car having a conversation with Don and Julia on our way home, on our way to the mall or wherever.  I check and respond to my social media accounts while watching Disney Junior Channel, painting or coloring with Julia.  Don is busy with his virtual battlefield and I am busy tending my virtual farm while we are eating dinner AND having a conversation.  We read the news and current events online before going to bed and having a conversation in between.  

Building Healthier Relationships: SoMoms #BetterMe Session with CoachPia

Last week my officemate asked me what is it like to be married for almost 10 years.  For someone who is vocal and opinionated, I do not know how to answer the question.  I just smiled, then laughed nervously. Then I stared at my hand... No wedding ring.

I have not worn my wedding ring for more than 3 years now.  I returned it to Don.  It was one of those "nightmares" in marriage that a woman wish she will never experience.  It took us several conversations with people we love, guidance from a pastor, renewal of faith and 4 bottles of red wine to finally decide that we will move on and work harder to strengthen our marriage.