As a mom, you’re always wishing for that one day off. Let’s be real, you’d love a week off, but you’ll gladly take even a day. I often think about what I would do if I had 24 hours to myself. I fantasize about it in my kitchen while cutting cucumbers and stirring pasta. What would I choose? Where would I go? Who would I spend time with? The possibilities are endless.
If I had to be responsible, I’d take the day to catch up on all of the things on my never ending to do list. I’d make all those appointments, I’d clean out the art supplies, and go through all the old toys. Hell, I’m even cleaning the fridge and the curtains. But that’s not what this is about. This is about having a day to do things that make you smile. It could a simple day, like reading a book outside by a fire pit with no interruptions or getting an hour at the spa. It doesn’t have to be grand or elaborate. It just needs to bring you joy. This is your YES day! Say yes to yourself!
Lately, I’ve been on a joy kick. I’ve been saying yes to new things and trying to broaden my horizons. I’m even trying to do it for my kids! I always encourage trying new foods and visiting new places when we can. I have also learned to finally say no to things that I don’t want to be a part of, especially ones that bring me instant stress.
So how would I start my YES day? I’d like to say that I would sleep in, but unfortunately my body’s natural clock likes to wake up around 7 am. I’d have a hot cup of coffee waiting for me and get cozy on my back porch with a soft blanket just watching the sun. I would then relax for a bit by catching up on a favorite show if there was one I had been looking forward to watching. Or maybe I’d grab that book sitting on my nightstand for six months.
Next, I’d take a long ride on my Peloton choosing a ride based on my mood. Sometimes it’s Celine Dion and sometimes it’s Eminem. I’d take a very long hot shower after and take time using all my fun products that I never have time to try. I’m now ready for my day. Normally, I’d try and work on my writing whenever I’d have a free moment. But today is my one day to do what I want to do and go where I want to go, so I’ll put down my computer and leave it for safe keeping until I return. I decide to find a quiet cafe and grab some brunch. I’ll treat myself to something a little sweet afterwards. Chances are it will be filled with Nutella.
There are so many random things that I have been wanting to try lately. Goat yoga is at the top of my list! I don’t even do regular yoga but I’d be willing to have a goat climb up my back while I’m in downward dog. If goat yoga isn’t available, it’s to the spa I go.
Being a true Leo, my hair is my obsession. I would love a good hair massage and a good blow dry. It doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Since this is my fantasy day, and of course money is not an issue in my dream world, I’d have a little shopping spree. A couple of hours in a few shops and boutiques and there’s my extra cardio. Give me all the bags and shoes!
I decide to go home and put on one of my new outfits and meet my girlfriends for dinner and drinks. I skip the salad and go for the gnocchi. We laugh until we cry and promise to meet up more than once a month.
By the time I get home my kids are fast asleep. I kiss their sleeping faces good night and realize how much I’ve missed them today. While I had a much needed me day, I can’t wait to tell them all about how mommy had a day filled with goats, Nutella, and friends. And I’ll promise that my next day of adventure will include all three of them.
Say yes to yourself. Take that trip or that day or even that hour for yourself.
My daughter recently said to me, “Mom, I love when you laugh really hard. When you smile, it makes me want to smile.”
What would you do on your YES day? Leave a comment!