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Someone once told me that we make time for the things that are really important to us. I believe this to be true. I cannot make more time in the day. But, I can allocate what I have judiciously. Being a new mom has really put that philosophy to the test. How can I work, run, take care of any personal issues and errands, be a loving partner and parent, and keep my sanity? Prozac helps. But it can’t get me out on a run or help me make dinner. I have to decide what’s important.
In particular, I’ve realized that I have to commit to working out or it will never happen. I have to make and get approval in advance for plans to rock climb or snowboard or hike. Before adopting Logan, our three year old sweet boy, I had all the flexibility in the world. Now, I schedule and scheme to keep my life orderly and balance work, play, and motherhood. I still believe you can have it all though. You just might have to get up an hour earlier and go to bed an hour later to get it.
One of the biggest adjustments I’ve made is running Logan in his BOB Stroller to day care two miles away, then leaving the stroller for pick up later, and running home to shower and go to work. I don’t like running with a stroller. Especially when it’s loaded with thirty pounds of toddler. But, it gets the job done. I take him to school and get my run in…it’s a win-win. When Logan was really little, I tried hiking with a Sherpani baby carrier on my back. I’ve decided I’d rather roll Logan down the hill than carry him strapped on my back. Whew, man, that’s a workout.
When Logan gets old enough, I look forward to snowboarding and climbing with him. But for now, my partner and I trade off parenting time to do things we love but can’t quite take him on yet. I struggle, perhaps like many of you, with the guilt of taking time for myself. But I do realize that adventure is a huge part of who I am. Being outside in the mountains makes me happy. If I’m happy, I’m a better and more patient parent. If I’m healthy, I get to be part of my son’s life for a long time. And, I am lucky I have a fully participating partner. I honestly don’t know how single moms do this. Seriously, my hat is off to you all. Keep getting outside and share your tips with other moms!
