Balance. Every life is filled with so many tasks, and the need to find balance. Whatever stage you are in, I know you must feel it too. Being pulled at from every direction, never knowing how you are going to manage getting everything done in one, short 24 hour period.
Balance is something I strive for every day. A good balance between all the many hats that I wear. Some I never take off, I plan to wear the “mommy” hat and “wife” hat until the day I die. They are by far the most important tasks I’ve been given, yet sometimes they are left by the side forgotten, while I try on those that seem more glittery and exciting in the moment.
I’m a mommy of two rambunctious toddlers. Wife of one wonderful man. Professional blogger here on this site and the co-founder of another. I’m an author, a friend and a sister.
Life can be overwhelming. All the things that must be done for even just one of the roles I play in my own little theatre. Meals must be cooked, clothes must be folded, games must be played, ouchies must be kissed, meaningful conversation must be had, support must be given and words must be written.
Given the chance, I wouldn’t stop any of these roles. I would never trade any of them away, but sometimes I get tired. There are times when I feel like I never want to write another word, and would rather just curl up with a good book to read for hours. But then, in some moments the allure of writing more books and building a bigger platform for that goal seems to outshine the menial tasks of snack preparation or hide-and-go-seek with my kids.
But all it takes is a moment. One simple smile from my daughter or a giggle from my son, and I remember. I remember what is most important. And although my love and passion is for writing. The passion I have for my career is nothing, nothing in comparison with the passion and love that I have for my family.
Balance is difficult because sometimes it means doing the mundane. Sometimes it means doing something you hate for some one that you love. It’s not glamorous or even celebrated most of the time, but it is good.
When I find myself being stressed and worried at the end of the day, I know that something is out of balance. Somewhere along the way, I’ve lost myself in my duties, and forgotten my way.
Because even though I wear the author hat and the WAHM/Professional blogger hats. I don’t have to. And I don’t want to if they mean requiring sacrifices of my family. This is why I need balance. Because when I’m intentional about my time, and using it wisely, I’m able to chase all my dreams. Those of being a mother, wife and writer.
It’s a daily struggle, to keep proper focus. To keep balance. God, and family first. Always. Writing will remain on the side, a passion, a love, a career, but never in place above family or above God.
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Candace Cameron Bure recently wrote a book entitled Balancing It All (affiliate link). I’m hoping to get the book in the next week or so, because, it’s such an important topic, and one she has a lot of experience with too! She currently has a contest/promo going for her book where I am submitting a photo from this post. I thought it was a fun idea, and it inspired this post!
How do you find balance in your days? Would love to hear your tips!
Ava Sophie says
Thank you for writing this post! It surely spoke to me, and was really inspiring!
I know better how NOT to keep the balance.. Recently I ‘forgot’ all about balance in everything, because of illness and demands. Demands from me and people around me. I listened to mine and others reasoning, instead of listening to my heart and more importantly God. I tried that as well, but I forgot all of the balance and forgot my priorities in the all stressful days. It’s not an excuse though, it’s merely an explanation. I kept walking so fast that I almost didn’t see the wall until I smashed into it.
These days I don’t do much, because I’m not capable of it. I get tired of most everything. I have a daughter and a husband that gets most of my attention and a piece of me. Every day I have to remind myself that it was the lack of taking care of myself, listening to my body (and heart), and listening to God that got me in this mess. And then I set myself little goals for what I do for myself. I’ve heard the expression: ” To care for others, you’ll have to care for yourself first”, but never really understood it until now. For some, like me, it is easier to know how to care for others. But God have given me love and compassion to give to myself as well as others. What I did for myself one day was to paint part of a painting. Today I sat on the porch just feeling the sun against my chin and watch the beautiful nature God has given us.
Little steps, little goals, listening to what God has to tell me, and remind myself of my priorities every day help me walking towards a better balanced life. And a lot of grace and mercy ;)
Taylor-Made Ranch Homestead says
Yes, I understand exactly what you mean about wearing many hats and finding a balance. Sometimes it helps me to just be still and focus on what’s truly most important. I’m struggling now with the many obligations being asked of me. They’re all worthy causes and I’ve said “yes” to many of them, but I find that other areas of my life are suffering. I’ve begun to say “not now” to some of the requests and although I hate that I won’t be able to serve in those worthy areas, it’s all about balance. I know I’m no good to any of those obligations if I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t focus on any of them. Thanks for sharing this post! (Visiting from Teach Me Tuesdays hop)
~Taylor-Made Ranch~
Wolfe City, Texas
Becca says
I am currently reading Emily Freeman’s new book called A Million Little Ways; it is incredible. Tons of reminders for why these passions (writing) call out to us over and over again. As you say, they are not to the place of our number #1 priorities (God and Family), but they are uniquely woven into our being and need that time and space to move freely so we creating the art we were made to live and balancing our responsibilities and beautiful families that much for completely! It is an amazing book, I think you’d love it! Thanks for your post; you are one busy, amazing lady :)
Sarah Mueller says
I don’t know what the answer is to the balance question. I have learned that I have neglected self-care way too much over the years (my oldest is 13). I’m allowing myself time for my own interests more often lately and it’s helping immensely.
Thanks for sharing at Family Fun Friday!