Freedom vs. Togetherness

Last week my kids traveled up north for their annual week with their grandparents and my husband was traveling for work…which meant I had the house to myself.  A very rare occurrence, but a lovely one at that.  I had the privilege of cooking (or getting to-go) for one person.  No carpool to drive or schedules to navigate plus the added bonus of doing a few dishes and not having 20 more pile up behind them.  Honestly, I think I needed the time to myself to really decompress and focus on tasks and to do’s without any distractions.  But wow, did it get quiet.

As much fun as it was to set my own schedule and not have many other considerations besides the dogs and me, it was almost too quiet. 

I’m a gal that likes her freedom but craves connection.  The ability to let my independence roam while also balancing it out with lots of togetherness.

And I think that is common for most.  The real challenge comes in striking that right balance.  Of being able to know when you need to step back and slow down and also when it’s time to lean in and reconnect.

With all the things (and devices) demanding our attention, I think it can get almost too easy to check out.  And sometimes it can feel a little awkward to reconnect.  

The key is to check in..with yourself AND your relationship.  How are you slowing down to recognize when you need a little bit of breathing room before you get a little too cranky?  How are you noticing when the drift between the two of you is getting a bit too wide?  

Celebrate the fact that freedom and togetherness are valued aspects to your relationship and work to find that balance between independence and connection.

I’m cheering for you.

~ A