"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."
-Stephen Covey
I found myself repeating this quote over and over again last week. It has become my new mantra. There are so many things that I need to do for my family right now, and I am having a hard time balancing those things with my need for "me" time. Since moving across country has taken my children away from all of thier life long friends and comfortable routines, I am scrambling to find ways to set up a new support system (for all of us), before the reality that we are all alone out here, really has a chance to sink in. There is a new church to find, new friends to gather, new doctors and dentists and schools. In the meantime, I am fortunate that hubby has figured out a way that I can stay at home (not work outside the home) for at least a couple of months so as to get all of these things accomplished, and although I am extremely grateful, I am feeling a desperation to do some things for myself that I know I wouldn't have the time (or energy) for if I was working right now. Like this here blog. And my Etsy shop. I have wanted to do both of these things for a long, long time and have been working for months getting them set up. And although that wasn't easy to do while working and going to school and taking care of a family, it was rewarding. And meeting so many other bloggers and fellow Etsians that are making the time for it, despite busy schedules, encouraged me to continue on. But now I feel it is time to take it to the next level and really put myself out there. And that is where the struggle begins. How do I find the time to do everything, in the relatively short amount of time I have to do it in? How do I balance family needs with my own selfish wants? I just keep telling myself that the "main thing" has always, and will always be, my family. Everything else is secondary. I just need to remember to "keep the main thing the main thing" and (hopefully) everything else will fall into place....
I can't be the only struggling with this issue, how do you find balance in your life?
Take Care,
I think we all struggle with this on some sort of level. It is hard to find that right balance and to be honest, I don't think that there is a right answer. I think that it is what works for you. You may be heavy on family side one day and then the next you may lean towards you and so on. But I think that you need to decide what is most important right now and concentrate on that and the other things will fall into place in time. However, taking time for yourself is much needed, even if it is only for 5 minutes, do something you love for you! Good luck and let me know if you find a secret!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been in your exact position. In 1999 we moved from Canada to the US. Our children were 8, 12 and 14 and they were NOT happy. It was much more heartbreaking for me because I worried about them making friends, etc. The one good thing was that I got to spend a little along time with the 3 of them before the friendships took over. I knew at the time that this would be the one and only time that I would have them all to myself. And I was right. Before long, they were off and running. That's when I got my wings to pursue thrifting, repurposing, etc.
ReplyDeleteWhen it really comes down to it, God first, family next and everything else if time allows. Before you know it your kids are all grown up and gone. My youngest are twins in their Junior year of college and I honestly don't know where all the time has gone to. I do know that I have no regrets as we gave our all to them and we made it on a single income. God has been so good that way. The beauty of it all is we have three grown children who can not wait to get home from school break and hand out with mom and dad, plus now we have their girlfriend and boy friends here to. I love your blog here...blessings and thank you so much for sharing here! I loved this post and that quote.
ReplyDeleteHang* not hand...sorry...
ReplyDelete