When I was working, Sunday night would begin the depression over the weekend’s conclusion. Not that I had a bad job. It’s just that the weekend was never enough to accomplish everything that needed to be done. Laundry, grocery shopping, errands, etc. What happened to my down time? There was very little of it.
Now that I am retired, Monday has become my favorite day of the week. I give myself permission to leave my car in the garage. I take care of laundry, read my bible and do “homework” for my growth group, check off items on my to do list for the week which includes appointments, grocery shopping, riding, taking care of my horse, de-cluttering the house, making a budget, etc. etc.
I answer to no one. My time is my own to do with as I choose. It is my one day a week where I am completely wrapped up in my comfort zone and feel very secure. Tuesday-Sunday I am out of the house every day running around. Monday is my sanctuary, re-group, soul refueling day.
It was great when my husband was working because I truly had a day to myself. He is taking some time off now before starting his next venture. Needless to say, the last two months have been a wee bit challenging for both of us. Don’t get me wrong, we love each other and have a good, strong marriage but I need at least one day a week comprised of several hours of solitude and complete freedom from anyone else’s needs in order to maintain my sanity.
The flip side of this, ironically, is that I get used to having him around and kind of like the company. The exception being Mondays, of course.
But he is getting antsy and looking forward to being out in the world again. He’s not a couch potato by any means. However, too much together time doesn’t work for either one of us. It keeps things interesting when we both go out into the world and come back with stories to share.
Spending so much time together lately has taught me more patience, consideration, flexibility, understanding and yes, more love. Some day we will have no choice. I think I will appreciate him more when that time comes and he, me. Until then, however; leave me alone on Monday! :))