Someone told me a fun story, former procrastinators. She knew some parents who realized they often put their kids off by responding “Someday.” Could we go to the beach? Someday we will. Could we get a dog? Maybe someday. Can we have cake for breakfast? Someday when you’re grown.
These parents recognized their pattern and decided to do something about it. They started on occasion to wake their children up with a happy exclamation, “Hey! Someday is here! We’re going to the beach today!” or “Wake up! Someday is here! We’re biking to the ice cream shop!” Imagine the delight, memories, bonding, appreciation.
Ideas related to rest and fun especially seem to fall into “Someday” thinking. We delay dealing with some ideas because they require extra effort, cost extra money, take extra time, or seem outlandish. We are constantly focused on work we have to do. We put off – and fun or rest don’t happen. Someday is here.
Think back and recall things you’ve heard your children ask or wishes they’ve expressed. What – under the Lord’s leading – could you do to fulfill that wish? What about your good friend’s desire to eat at a certain restaurant? Or your husband’s hope to go fishing with buddies? Or the woman you told you’d invite over?
Surprise the kids with something they have not asked for. “Today is Backwards Day. We are wearing our clothes backwards, eating our meals backwards, saying what we mean backwards.” “Today the Smiths are coming over and we’re building a fort.”
What about your own wish list for fun or rest? Would you like one afternoon to do nothing or a weekend without kids? Would you like an adults only trip to the mall? Would you like a good visit with your friend in another state? Consider swapping babysitting days with another mom, hiring a sitter, arranging a long phone call or in-person visit.
Some “Somedays” require advance thinking and preparation. Get that ball rolling. (Remember?) Research the trip, make reservations, start a trip fund. If it’s a family trip, involve kids in research, saving money, planning. Grown children need advance notice for work. Do something to lock yourself in so you actually follow through and don’t drop the idea once again. Make reservations, book a flight. There’s joy in anticipation.
Have fun for its own sake. Don’t always save it for a reward. Fun is healthy, rejuvenating, and bonding. Let’s make “Someday” a frequent occurrence. Done – at 100 per cent.
And if your “someday” delay pertains to working, tackle that. Sign up for coffee duty at church, take that certification course, train the dog. Include some fun, too.
We’ve talked about taking a trip with friends. This week, we’ll start the research, review the finances, check out the calendar.
I ate pie for breakfast.
What rest or fun have you put off? What will you do this week to make that “Someday” happen?
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