When I relocated to Northern California six years ago, I was drawn in by three simple pleasures: the temperate climate, my soon-to-be husband, and the promise of quality wine at every gathering. What I didn’t expect, however, was the local obsession with outdoor activities.
I understand the allure—beaches, mountains, lakes, and stunning parks are all around us. But let’s be honest: bugs. And let’s not forget the unpredictable microclimates. One minute, I step outside in a cute skirt and tank top, and five minutes later, I’m shivering in jeans and a windbreaker. How can I possibly enjoy the great outdoors when I can’t even figure out how to dress for it?
My family thrives in nature. My husband loves hiking and camping, while my daughter is constantly begging for a skiing trip. I feel awful denying her the joy of tumbling in wet snow, but the cold? No thank you. If the temperature dips below 72 degrees, I might as well be freezing solid; I can literally feel the chill in my bones! The last time I attempted to play golf with my husband, I ended up with sun poisoning.
Swimming? Not my thing. I’m the type to sprint away from ants. It’s simply best for everyone if I keep my sensitive self indoors.
Accepting my role as an indoor mom hasn’t been easy. I detest letting my family down with a “no” to their outdoor plans. It can make me seem anti-social, especially since many of our friends love outdoor activities. I strive to strike a balance between gracefully declining invitations and pushing through my discomfort, trying to keep things even.
Being a mom who prefers indoor activities means that when my daughter has playdates, they tend to take place inside as well. As much as I dislike hiking, I’d much rather have kids over for snacks and TV than chase someone else’s child through the woods. I don’t mind the noise or the mess; as long as I’m in the comfort of my home, all is well.
There are exceptions, of course. I do enjoy the beach—laying on the sand with a good book is a perfect day for me. But even that can take a turn for the worse. Last summer in Hawaii, I was relaxing in the sun when I spotted a family of sand crabs nearby. I didn’t return to the beach for the rest of the trip; I opted for a chair by the pool, which was close enough for my liking.
In the past, my husband and daughter would look disappointed when I declined their outdoor invites. I felt like the worst mom and wife for not joining in on the fun. I even worried that my preference for staying indoors might prevent my daughter from trying new things or having experiences like her friends.
Yet, as the years go by, I realize that I make countless sacrifices for my family daily. If I don’t want to swat away flies while I eat, sleep on a ground in a sleeping bag, or deal with sore feet from walking through forests, that’s my choice. They can enjoy their adventures without me.
If I were neglecting my family by not feeding them or refusing to engage with them at all, then criticism might be warranted. But I’m simply a woman who knows what she enjoys, and that mostly involves my cozy home. I won’t stop my family from embarking on snowy ski getaways or rugged camping trips; I’ll just make sure the couch is warm until they return.
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In summary, embracing my identity as an indoor mom has its challenges, but I’ve learned to prioritize my comfort while supporting my family’s adventures. It’s all about finding that balance.
Keyphrase: Indoor mom lifestyle
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