What I have realized as a mom is that the only way anything will happen is by taking one small step at a time, slowly chipping away at a project or pursuit and just starting without waiting for the perfect time. There will always be endless busy work, rooms to clean, and meals to cook. There will be sleepless nights and sick days that derail our plans to carve out that time to read, write, paint, exercise, find a quiet moment to think, or pursue that thing we have been dreaming about doing. But just finding micro-moments for ourselves, a few minutes here and there, can really add up. It might be relaxing and resting more, reconnecting to a hobby, spending time in nature, moving our bodies, or doing anything else that brings us joy and fulfillment.
As a Pilates instructor and business owner, I am someone who would love to work out for an hour at a time. When I have the time, it feels like a luxury, but it is not always possible to fit in. As far as movement goes, I have come to believe in the power of fitting in short workouts whenever it works. Just ten or twenty minutes can be enough to refocus our minds, show up better for others, lift our mood, build strength in our bodies, and so much more.
This summer, I encourage you to try to carve out time for yourself to play and explore, to pursue whatever it is that brings you joy, to let go of a need for productivity and do something just for fun, just because you want to, just because you enjoy it. Over time, a few minutes here and there just might add up to a happier, more fulfilled, and more relaxed version of yourself.