Eat outside whenever possible and browse a gardening catalog or just do nothing while eating...I try and have lunch alone at least once a week although I am home full-time and that may not be possible when working. Even if it's just quick at Panera or on my back deck. But there is nothing like digging in the dirt and moving around. It also helps to walk when possible even if it's silly like parking further from grocery store and walking through the parking lot...at least it's outside time and possible alone time :-)

When you see those flowers blooming, look back and remember how much you enjoyed the day you put them in! Too bad Mother's Day isn't on the calendar once a month. Sad to say we often need an "excuse" to do whatever we want, whatever will make us happy. I spent the day cleaning out the basement with my family. It sounds worse than it was. We are getting it painted soon and it would have taken me 3 weeks to accomplish what my husband, 3 children and I did in an afternoon.

As one with a black thumb, I envy your garden! If I were lucky enough to have one (read: if I had a yard and a professional gardener), I'd spend as much time out there as possible. I knit. That's something "for me" but it can also be done with others around, which means that I am spending time with my loved ones and doing something with my hands as well. And it's great to knit when I've had a really trying day, or when I'm waiting in line, or on the bus/in the car ... My daughter likes to knit, too. She also likes to shop for yarn with me!

It might sound strange, but my "me-time" happens when I go to the grocery store. I don't take my children, because that would be stressful. I go through the store efficiently (with a list of items appearing in order of how I walk the aisles), but I take my time to look at new products and enjoy the various samples that my local Whole Foods offers. I love finding new products or getting a new idea for what to serve my family that week. And on my ride home, I listen to my favorite music and sometimes take a "scenic route" to pass by some lovely homes I haven't seen in a while. This little Saturday morning routine refreshes me and prepares me for the crazy yet fun household I come home to.

HMM , I don't think that sounds strange at all, particularly the part about the car. For me the car is an excellent place to be alone, provided my drive is long enough and I have the right music. I'm always a little bit disappointed when I arrive at my destination.

Ahh, being alone. As the oldest of 5 children, I found Nirvana when I found an apartment all to myself after college. It was where my soul and I lived in harmony until, at age 37, I got married. One of my primary purposes in marrying a pilot was that HE WOULD BE GONE for days at a time. I knew I needed to be alone. I just wasn't smart enought to figure out children changed that. I had to adapt. I never completely did, so spending time alone is something I covet. I have told my teens, whose lives to them are defined by their friendships right now, that the ability to love being alone is one of the most valuable things there is. It assures you pick the right person, since there is no fear of being by yourself. I love being alone. I sing. I run. I write. I renew myself for...for being with the people I love. Hmmm. Good cycle.

I had the same feelings. I am a working mother of three. My work is driven by press deadlines and photo shoots and therefore extended hours and bouts of travel are more frequent than not. So in all, in all there are few things I would rather do than be with my children. I do however have a bag. A bag that I take with me on every trip that is full of things that I would love to do or I think I would love to do if I had "me time" at home. This bag includes books, manicure/pedicure items, face mask, a handheld tetris, and crossword puzzle books. Alas, usually I spend the time working, calling home, or watching TV. But I have to admit that I count the uninterrupted work time and TV watching as "me time."

Though I haven't instigated my plan, the idea is to turn each shower into the height of luxury. Whether a quick 5-minute pick-me-up or an indulgent 15-minutes of relaxation, besides eating and sleeping, this is something I have taken time for everyday (well, almost everyday) since my daughter was born 4 months ago. I've got to make that count! As a result, my favourite gift idea for a new mom is delicious soap, an invigorating shampoo, a decadent massaging showerhead and a super plush towel (candles and bubble bath are a little ambitious I think).

I wish I could help you recapture the benefit...I'm working on that. Time for yourself...makes me go, hmmmm??? I feel soooo guilty when all I want to do is put the kids to bed and get caught up on blogs. Can you say loser? All the while, poor Sweet Husband is wanting my time too !!?? I am hoping for some time in this life...to just hand over a strand of my hair and someone can just make 3 or 4 of me!!! I think Chris had a great point...about the flowers blooming...you'll recapture a little then :)