Wow. Amazing words, right?
I wrote about finding my way and what a struggle it was to keep up the balance of running a handmade business, being a wife and mother, keeping up a home. I feel as though I am right at achieving some balance but I'm scared to break through these walls of confined chaos. Reading God's words really put some confidence in my heart, for HE is by my side!
If you haven't guessed already, my word for this year is balance. I really tore myself apart last year because I couldn't find balance. And to be honest, I hurt my little family in the process. I can't get any of that back but I can change myself for the future.
I closed up the shop in July and didn't really touch my sewing machine for quite some time. I tried to be "just a mom". I'm no good at it. I love my children with all my heart but I can only play so many games of dinosaur/super hero/princess. Creating makes me feel whole. It's part of who I am. Again, I just need to find that balance.
I'm an avid list maker, I'm just not so good at keeping up with them for more than a few weeks. So there will be lots of lists this year....I've been on the prowl for easy to follow cleaning charts, family schedules, meal planning, etc....so send 'em my way if you happen to come across any!
I've started sewing again, slowly. My studio is set up....yay! I'm trying my best to only be down there when the timing is right. Which pretty much means when everyone has gone to bed and by then I'm too tired to even head down the stairs...ha! But man, oh man have I missed it. My heart and fingers ache to make something pretty.
Thanks for listening friends. xo Becky
I'm curious (and a tad nosey) have you picked a word for the year?
Becky, it is VERY hard to find the right balance!!! Just remember, though, that what is right for you and your family, is not the same for someone else and their family!!! It did my children no harm, to know and see that I needed time to myself. It helped to make them the independent adults they are now. Obviously the extent to which you do this depends on the age of the children. As adults now, they say they never felt they were short changed with my time, even though I worked full time for most of their lives and had my interests on top of this. I was a teacher, though, so perfect hours for a working Mum. I did learn to survive with a lot less sleep, though!!! I look back on some of the things I did (not craft/sewing related) and am extremely proud and pleased that I did them. I would not have been happy just being a Mum and this would have affected the family situation. My daughter said just the other day, how proud she used to feel when I ran a very time intensive project at our school for 4 years. She said they knew they'd lose a lot of their time with me in the months leading up for each of those years, but she said she felt enormous pride and used to think, "That's MY Mum doing all that." She was a LOT older than your daughter at this stage!!! Don't get me wrong... there were many times when I didn't get the balance right. That meant time to re-evaluate and adjust.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I've rambled here. You have to work out what's right for you and your family and that will change as the kids grow older. The smaller they are, the more of your time they need. They'll grow up SO, SO quickly and you'll NEVER have that time again. I love nothing more now, than when one of the kids says, "Remember when....."
Just don't forget yourself and don't feel guilty when you get it wrong. My word for the year is 'FUN'.
Sorry I've written such a long comment!!!
DeleteBecky, what a great post. I think that Balance is really a great one! I'm constantly struggling with it as well. I don't even have kids and I feel like I'm in chaos! =) A couple things that have helped me (especially with keeping house) is Fly Lady! She talks about doing things in small amounts. Rather than cleaning the whole house on Saturday she breaks it up. It is worth looking into... she also has combined with cozi.com (an online calendar) and her chores are put automatically into the calendar. I also LOVE cozi. Grocery lists that my husband or I can add to and they update automatically. Take a look! flylady.net Also, both sites are free.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are back on track! I'm excited to get working on my balance as well.
Blessings, Andrea
Being a wife, mom and homemaker is the toughest job I ever had! Even now with my girls with husbands, kids and homes of their own, my hubby in heaven, having to work to pay the bills, I struggle with balance and finding time to do the me things my soul needs. I have learned 'this day', its all I can do. Sometimes the scales tip, and I can't seem to right them for awhile, I have learned to be patient with my self and not beat myself up. It will all come back around.
ReplyDeleteI just sent this link to a friend who like you with family and home, struggles to organize and do the daily. Maybe it will have some tips for you. http://www.cleanmama.net/
My word for the year, anticipate.