The Tulips Reminded Me

Reclaiming moments for myself, one hour at a time

I did a thing a couple of weeks ago.

I carved out an hour—just for me—to walk the tulips at Sandhill Creek.

It felt indulgent. The mom guilt? Strong. (Even though I know better.)

I know that taking time for myself makes me a better mom, a better person.

I know I need to do things that are just for me—not just for my kids or my to-do list.

But still, I sat in the parking lot for fifteen minutes on the phone with my oldest. He was struggling with his emotions, and I could feel that pull to ditch the plan and drive straight home.

My husband—bless him—gently pushed me to go. He told me to hang up the phone, to walk, to take the hour.

So I did.

And I’m glad I did.

Because the moment I stepped onto that path and saw those bright, beautiful tulips—my favourites—I felt something loosen. A breath I didn’t even know I was holding. The colours. The stillness. The space to just be.

It reminded me of something I’ve been slowly relearning:

That I’m allowed to take up space in my own life.

That I can love my family fiercely and still need time that’s just for me.

That being a mom doesn’t mean losing myself in the process—it means continuing to return to myself, again and again.

I’m still a work in progress. Still navigating what this looks like in real life. But that hour with the tulips? It was a start.

It filled my heart in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.

And if you’re feeling the same pull—to step away, to breathe, to remember who you are beyond the titles and the to-do lists—I hope you give yourself permission.

Even just for an hour.

The tulips will be waiting.

With love,
Linda
and the B+T Team