Got time for yoga?
Jolene at Exhale Yoga in Vancouver BC. Photo credit: Susan Main
As my readers may know, that comment above is an initial reaction I often have when someone invites me out. Alas, I miss out on many events I would love to attend, but I’m working on it. For example, last night I missed the second week of Real Vancouver Writers Series at the W2 Culture + Media House.
That’s because I took my son and his friend swimming. They burned some of their abundant energy by leaping repeatedly from diving boards. They helped a lifeguard hose the change rooms for men and families. They really worked for those Gatorades at the end of the night and probably slept better for all the activity.
I could have asked someone else to stay home with him – like kind stepdad Dave who already does so much to help – but he was too tired after work. Dave would have been glad to sit around and do something mellow, but I knew my son needed to use his energy in an active way. Stepdad and stepson would surely get on each other’s nerves big time if I went out on the town by myself.
So I sat poolside at the community centre, using my laptop tethered to my iPhone. I felt good to know the little guys were having fun, and I managed to get some work done. But alas, it was a sacrifice to miss the event I wanted to attend – and this sort of thing happens fairly often. Family life takes top spot on the priority list but I’m thankful for this time-consuming, not-so-little bundle of joy.
Bah. I’m not so hard-done-by, I know! I did manage to slip out for a quick sleeve of delicious Farmhand Ale at St. Augustine’s at the end of the night with a girlfriend I have known since childhood. We enjoyed a session of “catch up” and a good amount of laughing.
But that was last night. Tonight I would like to go to yoga, so I’ll see if I can find time, childcare, and inner justification for spending the money. I might buy booklets of tickets at a few different studios to keep it interesting – and there are a few more places in town where I can get the first-timer’s discount. I know it’s good for me, and I feel great when I do it, so I’m trying to pull it into the habits of my life – despite the “I don’t have time” reaction.
Call me! haha…