If you see me sitting in my car alone

 If you see me sitting in my car alone, mind your business.

I am not avoiding anyone.
I am not crying.
I am not having a crisis.
I am simply buffering because motherhood just did a full system overload.

The car is the only place where nobody is touching me or calling my name.
It is the closest thing moms get to a spa day.
Sitting there in total silence, staring at nothing, letting my brain reboot like an old computer.

Every mom knows that moment.
When you pull into the driveway or the Target parking lot and you just sit.
Keys still in the ignition.
Seatbelt still on.
Sanity hanging by a thread.
You are not lazy.
You are recovering.

So if you catch me out there in the wild
in my car
blank face
empty thoughts
absolutely thriving
just know I am taking the break I earned.

And I will get out when my spirit is ready.