Mummy Needs a Break!

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been finding things have been getting on top of me - I really am not one to relax and put my feet up. There have been numerous things that have been on my mind. I've been worried about money; each month we are just about getting by; and were entitled to no help, it seems to be a juggling act. I have considered taking a job part time, but Phil's working hours can be all over the place, from leaving at 5am to returning home at 9pm, to staying away over night in this country or abroad. There is no room for me to have a regular job, however I am looking at the option of starting my own business! To add to my financial worries my car broke down and has had to have a new clutch fitted, I didn't realise how important my car was to me until I didn't have it for a week, I felt trapped and it really was not a nice feeling. I need my car to take Ruby to school, as there is no way I could walk 5 miles and there is no bus.

I've also been finding things tough with my knee; you may recall I had operation mid August and the recovery is taking a lot longer than I anticipated. I am now back to driving and walking without crutches, but I am still on painkillers most days and unable to kneel and put pressure on my knee. Last week, I saw my physiotherapist again and I was told off for doing too much, but I realistically cannot do any less than what I am currently doing.

I felt like my head was going to explode this last week, and I was really in need of some quiet "me" time. Thankfully there is a retreat house that is only a short drive away from where I live. Launde Abbey has been a place that has come to mean a great deal to me, I have been on many occasions just to have some time to relax, I went prior to my christening, confirmation and wedding. As soon as I drove up to Launde, I immediately started to feel like I was at home.

As soon as I walked in I was welcomed by a familiar face, a local vicar who covers some of the services in my parish church. I had a lovely chat with him before I relaxed with a cup of tea and sampled some lovely home made cakes and biscuits. I really do feel like royalty when visiting Launde, they really live to look after people and know how to make them feel at home.

I then spent some time chatting with the warden of the abbey, we chatted about everyday life and then moved onto talking about my faith. My faith matters a great deal to me; I come from a family who do not attend church, however when I had a particularly tough time in my teens, I decided to go to church and just see what it was about. My faith gives me hope, strength and gratitude for my life and where I am going and what plans God has for me. I came out of my chat feeling renewed and inspired by what the future holds.

I then spent the rest of the day just having some me time, spending time in quiet in the chapel and enjoying walking around the grounds.

The grounds are stunning, they have an amazing walled vegetable garden that I loved walking around and seeing what they were growing. All the produce is then used in the meals they make.

Phil and I have spoken and we are both in agreement that its important that I do have some time out away from the girls so that I can have some breathing space and quiet, so I shall be returning to Launde Abbey shortly. What do you do, just for you to help you relax and unwind?