I have always struggled with balance in my life, I'm an all or nothing kind of person. Because of recent trials in my life it has become more and more troubling for me. I feel like if I could balance all the things I have promised that I would do I would have greater Harmony in my life.
I have it pretty easy, I'm not going to lie. I have a husband who loves me (and I know it without a doubt), who takes care of me and is ALWAYS willing to help with WHATEVER needs to be done. I have two AMAZING girls that I seriously couldn't love more (but yet I do every day). I have a great apartment (especially due to the cost) that keeps me warm and safe. I have TRUE friends that are there for me when I need it most. I have THE most loving extended family that I look up to and adore (despite the teasing;) and I am blessed with a calling in my church that I am learning to love because of all the service it allows me to do for others.
This is where I struggle, ALL these people and opportunities do so much for me I am constantly thinking of ways I can give back. I have so many ideas in my head of what I can do the problem is finding the time. I often find myself exhausted, and out of motivation. I am in search of any thoughts and ideas any of my followers have (stalkers included:) of what you do to get the most out of your day, how you fit everything in (cleaning, cooking, playing with the kids, scriptures and prayers, church, sanity time ect.) without staying up extremely late at night.
The desire is in me to do good, to be great, I just need some suggestions/perspective/thoughts.
11 years ago
5 comments:
Tessa, first off- you are amazing and definitely get more done in any given day than me and probably most girls you know. Sometimes the giving back doesn't have to be so big?? I feel like just knowing you and having you as a friend blesses my life and gives back to me. =) I know that probably wasn't much for advice. This may sound like a tacky answer but sometimes when I put church music on, I am able to collect myself better and then think about my priorities for the day. And I have tried to be more realistic about what I CAN get done in one day so that I don't make my list too crazy long. Anyhow, I am excited to see what others post. =) Love you!
I like to get my exersize and cleaning done before lunch.
So (I used to) get up early (before kids were up) exersize then come home shower and then be there when the kids wake up, breakfast, chores, then they have free time while mum does HER chores. I find if I can get those two things done BEFORE lunch then I have the afternoon to do whatever I want, ie, craft, deep clean something, take the kids out, bake, nothing...good luck.
That's when I read my scriptures as well, in the afternoon. I found with a clean house and a clean me I could get more outt've them.
I think you're being a little hard on yourself though and are probably doing better than what you think.
I think Sarah's right, I don't think people expect anything elaborate, just a nice card, email, phonecall...........good luck.
I should preface this with I stay up super late (and nap when the kids nap in the middle of the day so I have energy for the evening), but I have found that to get my scripture reading in (which I was really bad at until this year) is to read my scriptures and pray before I check the computer. I've done pretty well with this for almost two months and don't plan on giving it up anytime soon.
I usually make (or prep) dinner at lunchtime so the afternoon is less crazy when my two oldest kids come home from school.
Lately, I've been walking for an hour in the evening (5 nights a week) with a buddy while my husband reads to the kids and puts them to bed. (I read with them before I leave some nights).
If you can combine the thank yous that you feel like you need to give people or special somethings, maybe you could make a double batch of cookies/bread/whatever and deliver them all at once?
This great because I'm going through a bit of the same thing with the new babe. This second time around, I knew I could get overwhelmed so I told myself, if I accomplished these 3 things in the day, I should feel content.
1. Do something for myself physically. (Shower and get dressed up well, exercise, sit outside and feel the sun, etc. But never all in one day. Just one thing.)
2. Have one on one time with Lily, even if it's 5 minutes.
3. Read my scriptures.
I find that I can totally do those three things and at the end of the day, I don't have to beat myself up for not accomplishing more.
Hang in there girl! And be patient with yourself.
From one all-or-nothing person to another, you do more than anyone I know! Be nice to yourself. One thing I've really learned with four kids is the old saying, "You can do ANYTHING, but you can't do EVERYTHING". The trick (for me) is figuring out what I need to give up, or at least what I can simplify, delegate, or postpone. I make lists like a madwoman when I'm stressed... Good luck with your balancing act. We miss you guys!!
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