What do you think about when you are home by yourself? What are my children doing at this exact minute? I have two teenage boys who live with me half the time and their dad half the time. They will attend the same school district from preschool to graduation. It was a decision I wrestled with because I wanted my children with me at all times. Their father and I decided school was going to be their one constant when I moved out. I have my boys read 30 minutes a day, five days a week along with sports all year long if possible. So, I wonder how my boys are doing? Are they reading, doing homework, sports, eating? During the week, I talked to them once in the morning before school and once in the evening before bed. Of course, our conversations do not cover their whole day. How are my boys feeling, handling school, peer pressure, etc? Are they getting enough sleep?

What should I be doing since my boys are not here? My kitchen is a little dirty, could use a little time, and I am a little tired from my day. I also need to clean my bathroom and do laundry. I need to work out. I have not given my dog a long walk/hike or gone to the gym in days. Should I eat something with melted cheese? Well, salad is better for me. The new year is coming, so that means change. I am starting nursing school in January. What needs done/cleaned/completed before I go back to school?

I am working on turning my lonliness into solitude, reading a Boundary book by Townsend/Cloud, or simply enjoying the quiet of my house. I started using this time for self-reflection, recharging, and focusing on what truly matters to me instead of worrying about what the inside or outside of my house looks like.