carving out time


This wee sweet needle house I sewed from a little kit from edielune 
It will be part of a birthday gift for Wren, a sewing kit that I am putting together. 



Have you seen this beautiful book yet? 



Recently a dear friend-whose insight and advice I greatly respect and appreciate-said to me that I really do need to carve out time for myself. Even little things- stopping in to a bookstore right around the corner, while waiting for my child at PT, for example. I know that I need to do this somehow. My head and heart feel stuffed full of everyone else, everyone but myself. But finding this time seems so unattainable, right now. And I do carve out moments, bits, and bobs here and there. . . longer, quieter periods- which as a highly sensitive person are so needed- are much harder. 

One thing I am always doing is knitting. Another is reading, usually multiple books at once (including ones for homeschool).

Books currently on my nightstand, ones just for me:

The Black Witch series. I am really loving this fantasy series by Vermont author, Laurie Forest. Andy got me the first one for my birthday in January, and I enjoyed it so much I got my hands on all the rest that are currently out. Another is out at the end of March, and I am eager to read it! 

Drama Free, a guide to managing unhealthy family relationships by Nedra Glover Tawwab- her first book "Set Boundaries Find Peace" was so helpful to me in working through some important and difficult things, and this one is so far equally helpful. 

Wintering by Katherine May. I listened to the audiobook version of this before the start of the pandemic, and am now reading the hardcopy. If you're going through a rough season in life, or "wintering," this book is a beautiful and inspiring read. She has a new book out now "Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age" that I plan to read next. 

Are you able to carve out precious moments just for you? How do you do it, and what is it you love to do?

Love,

Melanie 





Comments

  1. RainMarch 19, 2023

    Thank you for the book recommendations! I also am a HSP and I have found the best time is early in the morning. My kids usually sleep until 8:30 so if I'm up at 6, I have a very quiet start to my day. My youngest will sometimes get up much earlier but I can count on it most of the time. I also try to thrift at least once a month on my own which is my therapy.

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    1. Mama Ash GroveMarch 24, 2023

      Hi Rain! Ah, if only my kids didn't get up early. . . that would be a great time! I do carve out some evening time however. Perhaps I need to figure out how to best utilize that time/make it more a priority.

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  2. justineMarch 23, 2023

    You're back! It's so lovely to see your pictures and read your reflections again. I have missed your blog! And yes, time outs are so needed, particularly by the introverts among us. With 9 of us at home, my husband working from home, and 4 children still being home educated, I am almost constantly with people. It made such a difference a few years back when I started "escaping" for a few hours at a weekend to a coffee shop with a book and a journal for some time to reflect. In theory I do this every weekend now, although in practice it's often once a month. My youngest is 8 so it's easier to do now. Anne Morrow Lindberg writes very thoughtfully about the need for women to be able to take time alone to be able to give well to their families. Have you read her Gift from the Sea?

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    1. Mama Ash GroveMarch 24, 2023

      Hi Justine, so glad you're here! I have looked up that book and it looks fantastic. . . adding it to my list. Thank you!

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  3. AbbyApril 17, 2023

    So important. My favorite way to carve out time for myself is a good walk with nothing but the sounds of nature around me. <3

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