This is where I often walk in circles with an audiobook while my kids play.
Kids: in their happy place
Me: my heart, body and mind are at peace
What I do varies. Sometimes I'll sit and read. I also like to bring a jump rope if it's going to be quiet enough (to avoid stares and hitting children!). Occasionally, I'll sketch or doodle. I sometimes bring my laptop to do work too.
And yes, sometimes I'll meet and talk with people too, but I struggle with too much of that tbh! I love a variety. We go to the park pretty much every day, it's a big part of our current routine.
Life is always so busy and it's easy to fall into the trap of not being prepared to do something that will help me check things off my personal todo list. This is not productivity to me, this is getting by in life.
Productivity tactics feel out of my reach, for the privileged who have time and head space. I get none of that.
There are daily steps I want to get in. Books I really want to read or listen to. If I don't find places to squeeze these things in, then I lose out and they simply will never happen. That means sad Rosie.
This is life design in action. We do it by keeping things as simple as possible. Mostly staying local. Minimal driving. And finding spaces and things to do that not only benefit the children's needs, but our own as adults.
It's not ideal, but it is what it is. I'd prefer to go for a run on my own. Or sit and read in my own space where I can focus better. I get interrupted often and sometimes it feels like it isn't worth the effort.
But overall, we come out winning. We win some, we lose some.
It feels good. It feels organic and natural. And it sure beats going to school or having someone else look after the kids.
