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Ever since I got home from Savannah on Sunday, I have had little motivation for doing too much productive. I have just wanted to keep the fun going! Good thing this week somehow turned up with little on our schedules. No school functions. No church meetings. No deadlines. No pressure.

In other words, I have done fun activities with the kids and squeezed in a lot of “me time” in between. Lately I have tried really hard to prioritize my time in as non-stressful a way as possible. Instead of cramming *more more more more* into my days, I hope to focus on the things that must get done. The things that have the biggest lasting impact. And the things that fulfill me most.

Such as library and park play dates with the kiddos.

Taking time for my passions, but also taking time for things like reading books.

 source

And getting in my favorite form of “me time” of all – killer workouts!

I did four miles on the treadmill yesterday and it felt so good. I love running so much! I also did Level 3 of Jillian Michaels’ The Shred in the afternoon.

That 20 minutes will get you where it hurts.

Sure, sometimes life gets crazy mad hectic and I have little time for these types of things. BUT - I’m a lot happier these past few weeks than I have been in awhile. All because I have taken some of the pressure off myself and put more of a focus on enjoying life – doing the things I enjoy – having more “me” and “family” time.

Interestingly enough, this topic got a lot of attention when I was listening to my favorite radio show the other morning. The hosts talked about a post they came across about how working moms get just 30 minutes to themselves every day.

I can believe it! I know I’ve been in those shoes and I’m not even a working mom!

I checked it out and, at first, it simply solidified my recent desires to find more balance. Then, I read the comments and found myself slightly appalled. A few of them boiled down to “if you want ‘me time’ either don’t work or don’t have kids, otherwise shut up”. Really?

Kids undoubtedly take a lot of time and commitment. As does work. However, I fully believe women (and men, for that matter) can be exceptional parents, remain committed to their goals, and enjoy some fun. Sometimes certain things have to slide and it’s a constant shuffling of priorities, but it is possible. It’s important to keep perspective, but it’s also understandable to feel overwhelmed at times. And in keeping perspective, I love what a lady who inspires me says:

Awesome, huh? We can all make the most of life. We can all find some time for ourselves to actually love life. It doesn’t have to be one way or the other.

• What are your thoughts on “me time” with work and/or kids?
• What’s the last thing you did just for you and/or just for fun?

Do you believe that how your day starts has an impact on how things go the rest of your day? I don’t think it necessarily defines my day…but I do appreciate a good kick off to set things on a more positive path! I find it a LOT harder to turn my day around when I start off frazzled and missing the key components to a good morning.

My Recipe For A Good Morning

Get enough sleep. For me, a good morning actually starts the night before. I have GOT to get a solid 7+ hours of sleep in order to manage a smile on my face.

picture only because a sleeping baby is so cute

For awhile there, I was getting up around 5:15 am and then going to bed at 11 pm. Not. Enough. Sleeeeepppp!!! All because I tried to cram too much into my days and would find myself working on things before bed. Not anymore. Night time is for relaxing, so I can be in la-la-dream-land by no later than 10.

Morning Prayer. The first thing I do upon waking is take a few moments to reflect on my life and the blessings in it. It also works to set me up with the proper perspective to go into the day. Nothing beats that quiet time!

This time was a BIG saving grace for me when overcoming binge eating as well. I would pray every morning to love myself how God loves me and treat myself with enough respect to nourish my body and my self esteem. It worked!

Happy Kids. I think the morning when both kids are well-rested and joyful is one of my favorite times of day. They make me laugh and never fail to put a smile on my face. Plus, each new day with them starts with hugs and kisses!

Working It Out!

I love love love love love a morning workout. All the endorphins and sense of accomplishment on banging out my workout early puts me in a GREAT mood. I’m coming around to the afternoon time more than I used to…but still wish every day could start with a nice sweat.

Breakfast + Coffee.

Ummm…does morning without coffee even exist?! I always choose a snack for pre-workout, just so I can save my full breakfast and coffee combo for after the gym. I love getting to savor it and truly look forward to it every day. It’s pretty much the only meal I can sit and savor most days, so it certainly helps me have a good morning. I breakfast!!!

Blog Reading. It likely helps that a little blog reading usually happens on the side of breakfast. This community screams upbeat and positive, which never fails to rub off on me and help carry me through the day.

There you have it. My recipe for a good morning! What would yours be?

You can participate too! Share what makes an upbeat, positive start to your morning by commenting on BlogHer’s Life Well Lived post or entering the $250 sweepstakes!