Recharge Your Own Batteries
Foster moms open up far more than your homes – you open up your hearts to the children who enter your lives. Being a foster mom requires an infinite source of patience and draws deeply from the well of love.
In addition to the personal beliefs that keep you going, what else are you doing to recharge your own batteries? Stepping aside from your roles and responsibilities even for one night a month can make a noticeable difference in the way you feel. Female fellowship will allow you to reconnect with yourself in the company of other women.
Chick Night was born from the needs of three moms who quickly learned the benefits of true friendship. We had allowed our sense of duty and our willingness to nurture those around us to completely override our sense of self. Without realizing it, we had pushed ourselves out of our own lives.
Fortunately, we recognized the imbalance created by a life of giving without taking the time to receive. Twelve years later, we have built a foundation of trust that strengthens our bond of friendship.
Here are some of the “tips and tricks” we learned over the years that can help you recharge your batteries.
Make Decisions in Advance
The less time you have to yourself, the more important it is to use that free time wisely. Don’t waste any of it trying to figure out who you would like to spend your time with and what you would like to do.
Over the next few days, think about girlfriends you enjoy spending time with, and what types of things would be fun to do together. This way, when opportunity knocks, you can fling open the door and answer it.
Make a list of phone numbers and email addresses of women you already know, and those you would like to get to know. If your list has fewer than three names, broaden your horizons and add three or four more names; that way, you can be reasonably certain at least one of them will be available at the same time you are.
Then, decide what you want to do with your precious night out. The answer is completely up to you. And how often does that happen?
Things to Do
This is your chance to indulge in a pleasant version of the traditional “things to do” list, by creating a list of things you would like to do. Here are a few suggestions you can build on.
- See an early movie and enjoy a late leisurely dinner – or vice versa.
- Have dinner in a restaurant known for its great desserts. Let someone else buy the groceries, plan the menu, set your table, make your meal, serve your meal, clear off your table and do your dishes. All you have to do is show up!
- Go shopping at your favourite bath and beauty supply store and then go out for a decadent dessert.
- Get a manicure and/or pedicure with a couple of friends.
- Switch into comfortable shoes and go for a long walk with these other moms – followed, of course, by dessert.
- Have your makeup done by a professional and pose for pictures.
- Visit a museum, art gallery, or local tourist attraction for an adults-only evening. Check out the midway and ride on the ferris wheel.
Don’t Let Money be an Issue
With a little creative thinking, there’s no reason to let a tight budget limit your opportunities to have fun. There are plenty of enjoyable activities with little or no cost attached.
- Go to a movie that starts slightly before 6 p.m. Tickets are generally still at matinee prices. Or, rent a movie or check out a DVD from your local library.
- Window shop at your favourite mall. Try on the season’s latest fashions.
- Pack a picnic meal and go for a hike or to an open-air concert.
- Take a stroll through the park and push each other on the swings.
- Grab your camera and take interesting pictures of your surroundings or fun photos of each other.
- Combine the contents of your cosmetic bags and vanity drawers. Do each others’ makeup and nails.
- Experiment with an ice cream maker or prepare some other equally delicious dessert.
- Play cards or a favourite board game from your childhood.
No Children Allowed
In order to fully recharge your battery, this time has to be all about you, not your role. For a truly restful and relaxing experience, steer clear of even talking about your foster children. Focus on yourself and what you like to do. Remember, anything that makes you laugh is fun.
In the long run, your whole household will benefit from your night out.
Colleen Kleven is a mother, corporate writer, and author of The Beginner’s Guide to Chick Night™. For more information, visit www.mychicknight.com
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