Comments on: Just CHILL already!

By: Elizabeth Howard

Elizabeth Howard — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:56:05 +0000

Mindy, I can so relate to this thing that you describe as “trying” to chill. I just cannot do it either, no matter how hard I try. But I agree that the definition of chilling for me is probably not the same as it is for others. Even my employees see this and one of them brought me a free one month subsription to NetFlix, today actually, as their gift to me to get me to just watch a movie in the evening a couple of times a month…I politely told her that I just couldn’t do it. I even said “Do you know what I could get done in 2 hours?!?!?” She just laughed and said she cannot relate and that she has a rule that she does nothing but chill with a movie, book, etc. after 9:00 p.m.

I do so wish that I could figure out what it means to chill…for me. Let me know how your journey to chill goes.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:32:10 +0000

I FULLY realize the ability to chill would ultimately improve my overall attitude, stress levels and just make me feel better about myself….I simply just can’t seem to do it without having a nagging feeling that I need to be doing something.

If I could find a way to silence it I would!

Right now, going to the grocery store by myself is chillin’ …or taking a shower. Just to not hear “noise” every once in awhile and just be quiet w/ my thoughts is heaven to me.

I loved Lizzie’s post. I’m gonna really try to adapt this to my life and I think this topic is definately worth having w/ my mommy friends and see just what they do!

By: Mindy Lockard

Mindy Lockard — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:54:09 +0000

Hi, Ladies, Love the discussion! I think my struggle to chill is actually my perception of what chilling is. I chill out by being active. However, I do think that quiet and calm is good for the soul! All of this super cool talk has given me a lot to think about. And Heija, I may hit I-5 North to take you up on the free lessons!

By: meredith sinclair

meredith sinclair — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:22:19 +0000

I certainly think that one person’s “chill time” could be another one’s work.

And for me, sitting down and reading in the middle of the day (not at night when my eyes shut after thee sentences), would be the ultimate relaxing thing to do for myself. I NEVER feel okay doing that. Like I stated above, baths are my chill of choice at the moment, and I don’t ever apologize for it.

I actually do not think that nurturing yourself is selfish…at all. And I agree that we often do think if someone is busy, busy, busy, they are somehow better people for it. I have a mom, who would agree with me, often finds it hard to be really IN a particular moment, always three steps ahead of herself. Always on “the go”.

I think it’s really healthy to be able to turn “off” once and awhile. I think you have it right in realizing the benefit of some personal downtime.

By: Heija Nunn

Heija Nunn — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:10:49 +0000

Not to harp or anything, but isn’t there at least a teensy chance that a lot of moms think it’s somehow uncoolto a dmit that there are times when you are not thinking about the kids, the house, your Hubby or even anything worth repeating. Maybe the first step to Chillin’ Out is accepting the fact that taking a chill pill once in awhile does not an addict make. I am willing to bet that we are all waay better at chill-time than we like to admit.

Also, isn’t your chilltime different from my chill time? If you are doing something personally fulfilling that qualifies as chores to another, doesn’t that still qualify as chillin’?

Fulfilling yes, but I like it too…

Just wonderin’…:)

By: meredith sinclair

meredith sinclair — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:08:30 +0000

Hey Heija!!
Okay, coming on over to your site where you know how to do this CHILL thing we speak of.

BTW, It honestly is frickin’ freezing in here right now. Chicago thinks it’s time for an early frost…just so WRONG.

By: Heija Nunn

Heija Nunn — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:01:59 +0000

Ouch! You ladies need to come spend a day with the Worst Mother in the World! She/I know how to CHILL. Lucky for you the lessons are free!

Gotta go. it’s soooo cold in here….

By: meredith

meredith — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:46:48 +0000

WOW Lizzie,

I am seriously impressed. I feel like with both my kiddos in full-day school, I’m going to need to block out a couple of hours a week to just read that book I’ve been working on for 2 months, or go for a long walk to the lake (without my planner and a pen in my bag).

GOOD FOR YOU!! We should follow your lead. AND I do think it’s important for us to give our hard working husbands the same opportunity, maybe on a random Saturday afternoon.
Thanks for all of your great comments girls!

By: LizzieB

LizzieB — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:26:34 +0000

Mindy & Meredith,
Hi there. I have to say that unlike most moms. I love to get my chill on! It wasn’t easy in the beginning but now I’ve gone pro in the “chill” department. I found that if I get a good, long dose of chill time it does wonders for my body and soul. So, about once a month I book a sitter on a Saturday morning. I inform my husband that I’m off duty until mid-day and that I am not to be interrupted at all. It is true bliss. I sleep in, I read the newspaper in bed, I watch re-runs of The Real Housewives of the O.C. And then stumble out into reality once I’m revived and rested. I highly recommend it.

By: meredith sinclair

meredith sinclair — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:34:29 +0000

Okay girls…there is definitely a trend here!

Our men are able to chill, really chill, and we aren’t.
What’s up with that?
Hmmm…I feel a research study coming on, but since I don’t do research, we may have to just help each other out.

Really, why is it we moms are frequently consumed with what NEEDS to be done, and disallow ourselves time to soak up a still moment?