My husband has been pretty amazing through all of this. He is my biggest supporter and has cheered every blog follower, read every article, no matter how boring the subject, and told me “not to worry” about the house more times than I can count. Over the past 6 months to a year, I’ve really learned some incredible lessons about how marriage is a partnership and I have such appreciation for Tim. But, while I thought I was balancing, all I was really doing was juggling, and letting things drop that I shouldn’t have.
I’ve started gradually re-prioritizing. There is room in my life for many wonderful things. I definitely believe I can be a stay at home mom, develop my talents, build friendships, and participate in a variety of things. But some things, and most definitely some people, deserve more attention. They deserve to be prioritized. Everything else is simply a wonderful addition. So, today, I’m pouring my heart out and committing to the following:
1.I will commit time daily to spiritual things. When I have quiet time to myself, I will read the scriptures, prepare to teach Sunday lessons, and find ways to strengthen my testimony. If I prioritize this, then the rest will follow.
2. I will not over commit my days. There should be ample time for play, cuddles, quiet time, and fun. I chose to be a stay at home mom and I want to enjoy these moments. Kids deserve structure and spontaneity.
3. I love my blog, but I will not obsess over it. Blogging is not about collecting followers or securing the biggest giveaways, but expressing ideas, sharing a bit of my life, and journaling in a way. It’s also about connecting with other bloggers and making friends. But life shouldn’t pass me by because I’m too busy blogging about it.
3. I will continue to write professionally because it challenges me, helps me develop my talent, allows me to become engaged in the community, and because I love doing it. I will better manage my time with this and not allow it to become a stress or the money a necessity.
4. I will read more, sit and talk with my husband more, and pursue hobbies that do not involve a screen, such as sewing, cooking, and planting an herb garden.
5. I will dedicate time each day to maintaining my home and teaching my children to help. Everyone is happier when things are clean and orderly, including me. Tim and I will get back into our maintenance routine and will continue to use Saturdays as a way to care for our home and spend priceless family time.
6. When I commit myself to doing something, I’ll actually mean it. If I can’t make a call, pick up supplies, go somewhere, or take care of something, I’ll say so. But I’ll make sure I’m putting the most important things first.
7. Lastly, I will give myself a break sometimes. I’ll let myself indulge in a nap time episode of Bones and not worry about what there is to do next.
Whew. That actually felt amazing. Thank you to Shell at Things I Can’t Say for hosting this. Visit her blog to link up and Pour Your Heart Out.
great goals 🙂
I love all your bullet points but especially #3. “Life shouldn’t pass me by because I’m too busy blogging about it” is a thought that has been rumbling in my mind recently too!
I just reading through the June Ensign (a monthly magazine published by the LDS church) and came upon multiple articles that made me stop and do this very thing–think about how I’m using my time on a daily basis and whether or not it reflects my priorities (eternal and more short-term).
On a funnier note, you mentioned sewing as a hobby you’d like to further develop but it’s the thing that actually gets me in trouble sometimes. 🙂 I could sit for hours in front of the sewing machine, happily working on a project, but it means my family and household duties might also be ignored a little too much as well. Whoops. I guess to each his own [vice!].
2) couldn’t agree more its so difficult to balance committing to yourself spiritually and not overcommitting to other things..
3) exactly how I feel about blogging and sometimes when the giveaways come around I think ‘is this really me?’
bleh
Those sound like great goals, and it seems like they stick true to you and your family.
I looked at something similar in April maybe? Anyhow, I made a project out of it and created what I termed a Vision Board (I blogged about it but am too lazy to look for a link, so I’ll just explain it). I did a collage of all the things I want to focus on for the next 6 months and put it on my dresser, where I see it every single day as soon as I wake up. It serves as a healthy reminder each day of what I want to accomplish.
I think this deserves a giant round of applause. I think my favorite statement in here is this one:
“life shouldn’t pass me by because I’m too busy blogging about it.”
I think it’s a trap that a lot of us fall into. I’m struggling with some of my own re-prioritizing right now and it’s always good to hear it from another blogger’s perspective too.
It’s ok to take breaks. It’s ok to do things away from the computer. Last night I read a book! It felt fantastic. 🙂
These sound like great goals/commitments Mindy!
Great list! I totally agree with your order of things. Especially #1! When we make time with God first everything else just seems to flow. I need to make more of an effort there! Stopping by from PYHO. I’m following. 🙂
So beautifully put. I’ve really been struggling with this lately. I love blogging but I can’t let it overtake my life. I’m trying to keep my priorites straight and things in balance. I love how you have more a plan for this than I do. I need to do that, too.
Thanks so much for linking up. I really needed to read this.
As you know, I’ve been kind of in the same “place” in my life right now. I think it is important to regularly evaluate our priorities and time commitments. Also important, goals. I know Zane and I spend a LOT of time discussing life in general — where we’re headed, what’s important to each of us, what we’re doing to make those things happen, etc.
Look forward to hearing about your progress over the next few months!
A lot of us are feeling this way lately…and I think your list is just right. I may steal it for myself!
😉