My husband and I both work from home.We have four children, so the times when I am alone in the house are few and far between.Like many work-at-home moms, when I do get a chance to be by myself ,I do something, whether it's related to my career or taking care of the household chores  .       One Thursday,things really came to a head.My husband was heading out to the gym,just thinking that I had nothing to do but watch the twins.My older boys were making plans with their friends without bothering me and they were expecting me to drive them there.The twins,being young,wanted my undivided attention.Even my customers seemed to be demanding that day.They sounded not satisfied with the products and wanted to cut down the prices more.Nobody bothered to ask if I might have plans of my own.But the truth was, I seldom did have any plans for myself, and everyone knew it. I always put their needs before my own.They took advantage of that.     The next day,when the kids were at school, I headed for the movie theater--alone.I'd never been to the movies alone before.Would I look pitiful going to the theater by myself? Was I being silly by seeing a movie when so much work awaited me at home? I forced myself to take back these thoughts.And then I walked into the theater with my head held high and enjoyed every minute of the movie.For a couple of hours, I was nobody's wife or mother.I was just myself.     From that point on,I decided that Fridays would be mine,at least for a couple of hours.Some Fridays, I head for the beach with a good book.Other Fridays, I go shopping.I really look forward to my Fridays after a long week of caring for my family.     By forcing myself to slow down and put the needs of my family out of my mind, I feel closer to myself.I'm not completely responsible for caring for my family.I don't need to do it all myself. I just need to remember to spare some time to be with myself. What is the biggest benefit that the writer got from her decision?
She has her husband share the housework. She no longer overloads herself too much. She has the time to develop her own hobbies. She learns to put her own needs in the first place.