I jumped off the treadmill today. Well, maybe it was a slump. Or a thump. Actually, it was nothing like a jump. To jump one must have energy, force, and determination. Today I just felt like sliding off the hamster wheel that has been my life lately.
Much to the delight of my family, we were soon feasting on fresh blueberry pancakes – not our typical school day, for sure. I started to settle.Certainly not as exciting for my son as pancakes, the cold, foggy trek cleared my head and provided me the clarity necessary to tackle the to-do list.
I started to move.
I started to feel.
I started to breathe.
As the clock rolled towards the end of the school day, I thought about one more thing I missed: being at home when the kids return from their day. And that made me think of cookies. I missed baking cookies.I started to smile.
When the day turned to dusk and the kitchen returned to order, I beamed at myself. The simple act of preparing food not only nourished my family, but also nourished my spirit. The treadmill seemed far away, the open arms of my home embraced me.
I jumped in.
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Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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Comments: 13
Shannon Milholland
February 6, 2012I love this honest look at how the simple things of life can set our attitude for the day.
Rosann
February 4, 2012Sounds like the perfect day…
🙂
Blessings,
~Rosann
Jennifer Wolfe
February 5, 2012Rosann, it was a pretty great day…sometimes the simple things are the best!
Becky Jane
February 2, 2012So beautifully written! I ♥ being a SAHM! All those special moments that await are so worth it! Thanks for such thought provoking words!
Jennifer Wolfe
February 3, 2012Thank you, Becky. I love my job and I love being a mom…sometimes I just miss certain parts. I appreciate your kindness.
Tracy Balderach
February 2, 2012Oh, to be a member of your family! Your children will always be reminded of you when they smell a good meal in a cozy home. Glad to find you. Visiting from VB! Tracy
Jennifer Wolfe
February 3, 2012Tracy, thank you! That’s the nicest compliment I’ve had all day!
My Inner Chick
February 2, 2012You. Make. Me. Smile.
I smell your cookies baking all the way over here..Xx
Jennifer Wolfe
February 2, 2012Ha ha Kim. You make me smile right back!
Dee
February 1, 2012Dear Jennifer,
I’m a little confused. Did you take a “mental health day” or have you retired from teaching? I think it must be the former because in a comment on my blog, you mentioned teaching your students about Harriet Tubman.
I so enjoyed the way you wrote this posting. With each thing you did followed by how your body responded. You write so well.
Peace.
Jennifer Wolfe
February 2, 2012Dee, I haven’t retired. I’ve still got work to do in education…but I did take a day to feel healthier. Thank you for your kind words-they mean so much.
Michael Ann
February 1, 2012Good for you, Jennifer. It’s good to have a mental healthy day now and again.
I really enjoy those same things about being home with my kids. My job is such that I am here in the mornings with them, go to work, and am here in the afternoons. That will change soon though as you know I am seeking new employment. These are the things I will miss!!
Jennifer Wolfe
February 2, 2012Yes, Michael Ann, it is good…although when I feel stressed it feels physical, too. Hope you find something that gives you balance.