We recently had our three granddaughters over for a sleepover. They consist of 3 year old twins and a 6 year old. They play really well together until they don't. They were all playing well in their bedroom/playroom they have at our home until I began to hear the fussing. The 6 year old comes out and into the living room with her twin sisters right on her heels. She declares that she needs her "alone time" and they won't give it to her. She was very upset that her sisters wouldn't leave her alone for a minute for her "alone time".
She reminded me a lot of myself, although I'm not as dramatic in demanding my "me time" as I like to call it. I would consider myself an introvert and a trait of introvert is that I recharge my batteries by spending quiet time alone. My "me time" is usually in the morning, when the house is quiet, and my wife is still sleeping. I enjoy my coffee, a little news and then read in a book. Sometimes I just lay in the recliner and listen to the grandfather clock ticking away. My wife is more of an extrovert who recharges by being around people. I enjoy being around people but rather than recharge at that time I expend energy and later need the "me time" to recuperate.
My 6 year old granddaughter has spent the last several summers at our home during the day while her sisters attend day care school. Those summers have been special for her to have Nana and Pawpaw alone to herself. This year she will be joined by her twin sisters and her "alone time" will be severely cut back at our house.
Do you recharge around people or by being alone? Whichever you prefer, what is your favorite activity to recharge your energy levels? Do you recharge in silence or at a busy party? Do you recharge by getting out in nature or getting deep into a hobby? If you take "me time" do you have a normal time, like my mornings, in which you get that time?
I did notice while the girls were here that there was a time where the twins were playing together in another play room (our dining room turned toy room) while 6 year old sister was no where to be found. I was sure she was in their bedroom on the bed and reading a book. She got her "alone time" after all. Way to go big sister!
However you recharge your energy, make sure you take the time to do it. We all need that energy renewal on a daily basis and certainly during the busy holiday season!
I am also an introvert, so I gotcha. I do get plenty or recharge time though, maybe even too much. Your blog doesn't support feeds, so keep posting your url whenever you comment, or I won't know to check. Alternatively, go into Blog Settings and scroll way down to near the bottom to Site Feed where you can choose to Allow.
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DeleteI think one of my biggest challenges in retirement has been "alone time". I am an extrovert and a people person but sometimes I just want to be ALONE.
ReplyDeleteI guess we all need alone time at some point. I need it in short doses. I can get too much and get lonely if my wife is gone for more than one night.
DeleteI recharge with alone time. Also by going to church. I enjoy being with people and attended a Christmas party Sunday, but as you say, we introverts recharge with peace and quiet. That sounds like fun for your grandkids to visit you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. I do enjoy a good party, but need that recharge time afterwards!
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