goodfountain

The holidays are nearly behind us. The tree is down and the other decorations are still in their boxes where they remained not displayed this particular holiday season. Remember, I have a 13 month old - 13 month olds and decorations equal stress for Mom. I’m all about reducing the opportunities for stress during an already busy-with-potential-to-be-stressful season. So in the boxes they remained. Which was really for the best as Ess has entered into the Phase of Frustration.

She’s frustrated first at her body. And its lack of coordination and skill that allow her to do the things her curiosity is telling her to do (i.e. climb on the family room couch). She’s also frustrated at me and her Dad. We are evil-doers who take great pains to prevent her from getting a concussion on the tile floor (from falling off a kitchen chair). Let’s not forget frustration at Chee who doesn’t share all things she’s playing with at the instant Ess wishes to have it. I have to take Chee’s side here - Ess wants what Chee has the minute Chee picks up, and then no longer wants it the second it has been handed over. Setting out Christmas decoration with pretty colors and sounds would have been too much temptation for her little spirit. Why add to the drama?

So I redirect her. She throws a fit. “It’s okay. I’ll wait,” I tell her. And then I redirect her again. I get down on the floor and play with her. And soon I redirect her again. Throw in a few more fits and then it’s into the highchair for a snack. And a break. For me.

Honestly I think I know how she feels. I am frustrated at times. Not 4200 times a day or anything. In fact, not even every day. Most days I’m okay. But every now and then something gets to me. I feel like I just want to jump in my car and escape. If I could just have a moment where nothing is expected from me.

That’s when I know it’s time for some redirection. Yesterday presented such an opportunity and I redirected myself to the movie theater for 2 hours alone watching a flick. It was heavenly (despite the $7 matinee ticket price gouge). I left feeling sane and independent. I reclaimed a wee bit of my Self that is not Mom and Wife.

Going to the movies by myself is not a big deal to me. Done it more than a few times. However, not since getting married. And I’ve barely even been to the movies since having Chee 3 1/2 years ago. I love movies though. Always have.

I don’t think this will be the last of my redirections to the theater. It was so much more enjoyable than shopping which I don’t particularly like anyway. Cheaper too (it’s called Retail Therapy for a reason). My husband isn’t much of a movie goer so I doubt he’ll feel like he’s missing out.

It’s funny. In the last 3 1/2 years it has never occurred to me to see a movie by myself when I feel that need to escape. So simple and so obvious. Do something I enjoy. It’s not too expensive and doesn’t take too much time. And I come home ready to hand out more hugs.