Celebrating Independence

July 2, 2010 by thepranamama
Filed under Mom's the Word

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is upon us! This is always my favorite holiday of the year. Growing up in “America’s hometown” of Plymouth, Massachusetts, I learned how to party on Independence Day, spending the day with family and friends, enjoying a huge community parade, an annual backyard BBQ (complete my water balloons), and a spectacular fireworks display over the sparkling blue ocean.

You could say I was spoiled. I had no idea that most towns in America didn’t have their own parade or fireworks, nor did I realize the massive crowds were mostly visitors coming to enjoy my hometown celebration. The Fourth of July in Plymouth was simply awesome, and every year at this time I think about my family, and all the years we enjoyed it together.

This year, I’m doing something completely opposite for the holiday. I am enjoying a long weekend to myself, enjoying my independence with a much-needed break from family life.

Ironic? Yes. Selfish? Admittedly so. Necessary? Without question.

In the past, while friends had their own opportunities for a girls’ weekend away, or their spouses or parents swooped in and took the kids off their hands for a few days, I was happy for them, but secretly pined away for my own weekend alone. I asked my husband, who never bats an eye when I need a work-out or simply to chill out in my bedroom for an hour at the end of a long day. It took a few months of hints and jokes, but finally, my requested Mother’s Day gift of a weekend to myself in my own home, was granted.

The family car pulled out of the driveway at 9:30 this morning. I waved goodbye to the sweet faces in the back seat, and thanked my husband profusely. They were off to Grandma’s for a long weekend, and I was on my own.

While you may picture me with my feet up, sipping ice cold lemonade with a romance novel in my lap, I immediately went to work cleaning. It’s amazing how much easier this is without constant interruption or new messes! I actually enjoyed getting this much-needed work done, and my reward is a small gathering of friends for dinner tonight.

This is the ultimate PranaMama weekend. I may not be surrounded by family as I was as a child, and nearly always am as a mom. But I am celebrating my independence in my own way. Cleaning and organizing, socializing, writing, relaxing, exercising and hopefully fitting in some yoga and meditation – something I desperately need.

I hope this post doesn’t annoy you readers, as it would have me in the past. Instead, I hope it inspires you to carve out some me-time, however you and your family can do it. Some have relatives willing and able to take the kids for a few hours (or days!). Others may need to simply shut the door and dive into a book during naptime. Whatever your pleasure, do something this weekend to celebrate your independence. I’d love to see comments below on what you did!