Little Squish has not swung back into her lovely 16 hr sleep routine since we came back from our trip up to QLD to meet ALL the relatives (that's another story!). Some parents would say our comeuppance has arrived.
Sleep depravation is the worst. Any parent will tell you. It leaves you constantly lethargic, lacking the will to live and well, if you're me, incredibly irritable. Being the lively mama I would like to be is a constant uphill battle. But strive on I will, even if with a little hmmph and a frown face on. Snappy and grumpy. Tall Man would agree. ;-(
So this week was about seeking refuge - quiet, low impact activities to soothe and sate the weary blearys. With a synchronous phone call from a dear friend, who has been having her own chronic battle of a different type, we decided to head for the hills for a slow day.
Hi ho, hi ho off to the William Ricketts Sanctuary we go.
Oh My Goddess! As soon as we entered this place, the knots in my shoulder melted away, time slowed and all seemed right with the world...in fact, what world. The soft tinkle of bellbirds, moss covered grottos, ferny glades...aaaahhhh!
Bill as he was affectionately known, was an incredibly inspiring artist. He bought some land up in the Dandenongs back in 1934, setup a studio and dedicated his life to sculpting clay and the landscape into an incredible homage to nature and indigenous Australia. Rich in aboriginal lore, this place exudes its own spiritual aura....this is my kind of bush medicine. William Ricketts had such 'reverence for life', exploring his deep connection to nature, the aborigines, Australian fauna and the earth mother in his work. Sublime.
My spirit was renewed.
I thought I would scrap a recipe for this week's blog, I really haven't been that motivated to cook. Quick easy snacks is where we're at. I will share something soon. So, I thought I would share some tips for seeking sanctuary and staying sane in sleepless times.
- Scheduling unscheduled time is a must. Our lives get filled to overflowing sometimes, time seems to fly by leaving one deliriously spinning. Stopping should not be a luxury but a weekly activity that takes priority. Lying around doing absolutely sweet FA every now and then is all it takes to recharge. Little Squish loves it when I am in blob mode, lying on the floor I become her climbing gym. Also, watching the odd trashy rom com, will not destroy their minds...but it may save yours.
- Practise grounding exercises. Whether its yoga, swimming, dancing, walking, meditation or kick-boxing. Know what it is that releases all the dross that helps keep you well oiled with happy endorphins flowing. Do it. It's so easy to put so many other things and people first. But happy mama equals happy baby, happy man, happy world happy everything. This is when you can call on papa, family and friends for some solo time.
- Eat nurturing, wholesome food. Try to steer clear of processed foods. Dark chocolate is often an essential item though ;0)
- A cat-nap is better than no nap. Even if there are a squillion loads of washing, dinner to cook, things to fold, people to see, places to go etc., etc. F%#$ it all and lie down for 5 minutes. It will make the world of difference. Deep Conscious Breathing will also help.
- Stay in touch with your ladies. Spend time in heart-connecting conversations lying on the grass in the backyard under the shade of a tree with your besties and a cuppa. It's a no-brainer really. Friends are so awesome at giving you perspective, unconditional love, sharing woes, achievements and giggles with. Yay!
- Find a little time to do what makes your soul sing. Even if all you have is a few minutes. Busting some moves in the lounge room to your all-time favourite rock-out song is gold. Here's mine. Make sure you recognise that you are gifting yourself this time too. It's so easy to forget when you're busy that you have done some great things for yourself.
- Pamper yourself. I love a good massage. I also love a pedicure. But getting to a salon is virtually impossible these days. I also wonder how good it is to breathe in all those awful acrylic nail chemicals. So, I now do it at home, sometimes while breast-feeding. Feet in a bucket of peppermint infused warm water, a quick scrub, rub on some oils and tingly fresh toes in no time. If you can convince someone to give you a foot rub then double bonus.
- Ask for help. I'm getting better at this. Tall Man thinks a little too good. Don't let yourself feel inadequate, guilty or whatever it is that stops you just asking for some assistance. We can't do it all, all the time. Plus it's always good to do boring things with friends.
- Please add your sane-keeping tips below, we could always use more...
Alrighty then, I am going to leave you with some gorgeous inspiration by Linnea of typenandimage as found on Etsy.
Love and blissings to you and yours,
mama mara
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