#AloneTimeWithArian

If you follow me on Instagram you've maybe noticed I'm a fan of alone time. One of the most practical and helpful rhythms we've added to our week this new year is #AloneTimeWithArian. Four or so mornings a week, while Daniel gets our kids ready for the day from 7am-8am, I head out to start my day alone, in quietness. It's not a long time but it makes a big difference in the state of my heart for the rest of the day.

(this morning in Over The Rhine) 

If we're in town, my favorite thing is to journal or read in one of my favorite coffee shops. That, or wander around the quiet downtown streets taking photos of the morning sunlight.

 (Four Minute Essays by Dr. Frank Crane, 1919)

If we're visiting family in the country, I take advantage of nature and take a walk in the woods!

I even got a whole 24 hours of alone time a few weeks ago. Daniel took care of everything at home so I could spend the night in a hotel downtown, stay up late watching girly movies and eating chocolate, sleep in, and spend the day wandering from coffee shop to library to art store to book store to cafe. I confess, toward the end of that 24 hours I felt kind of homeless and was looking forward to being back with my family. Go figure : )

(the view from my hotel room)

It's a luxury I didn't think I could afford. But Daniel tends to think I'm worth it even when I don't. And I'm grateful!

Another luxury I didn't think we could afford---a babysitter! Starting this week I've got 9 hours of child-free time to work on new art! I plan on using it well!

So any other introverted mamas out there have tips on how to stay sane during the child-raising years?

Arian : )