Sated: Some rest, relaxation, and pursue my goals

Sated

Gratitude filled my heart yesterday (family, friends, job, roof over our head, food in our refrigerator, safe travels, and much more to be grateful for). I was happily sated with good food, family, and just life period. However, it did not take long for this mother of two to find my sanctuary. The combination of peacefulness and gratitude put me at ease, so much so that I was sleep before 7pm. I thought I would sit journal, reflect, and write. My body had other plans.
I am participating in National Writing Month (http://nanowrimo.org), to write a minimal of a 50, 000-word novel in 30 days. I have known about National Writing Month for a couple of years and decided to participate this year because I wanted to see if I could rise to the challenge. Am I disciplined and creative enough? What will I learn about myself? Really, what have I got to lose?
Yesterday, I was at around 35,000 words. Currently, I am at a little over 38,000 words, so I need to make the best of my weekend. I love 4-day weekends, and usually the first day is mellowing out, which I still did yesterday even with all the cooking and family time. I want to achieve my goals and spend time just relaxing.
I know I need to take care of my health and listen to my body. There are so many negative effects of not getting enough rest. If your body does not get the rest it needs, then you are more susceptible to mental and physical stress. Plus, in my experience, when you do what you are supposed to do things have a way of working out.
How can I fully be there for others when I am not there for myself? I know many mothers have felt that there is very little time to pamper themselves. We must make time for us. Even if that time is split up (15 minutes am, 20 minutes in afternoon, etc.) Think ahead about what it is you want to accomplish for the day. When that window of time opens, use it. Don’t just wait for a different window of time. You may not get the time you think you will get. For example, the kids may not take that 2pm nap today. So use the time you get or lose it.
I have seen mothers put their dreams and passions on hold to raise their children, and some mothers would be full of resentment and bitterness, because they never did what they wanted to do. When I turn 80, I would like to say that yes, I took care of our children, and I took care of myself, too. I believe we can still pursue those things that we love and feed our soul, while caring for our children. I don’t want to live with resentment and trying to live life when our children are in their 20’s. I want a win-win in both my personal and professional life.
I am still trying to stay focused this weekend. One of my priorities is to write another 7-10,000 words this weekend.
Timika