Balancing Life: You Can Do All The Things
You’ve probably heard you can’t “have it all.” If not, you will soon enough. You want to be the best wife, mom, friend, employee and business owner but it just doesn’t seem possible. I’m here to tell you though, it CAN happen.
As we prepare to enter a new school year the thought of “all the things” happening again - kid activities, parent meetings, homework - may be overwhelming and already have you looking for the next break. While that’s completely normal, being busy should be enjoyable and not feel like you’ve been run over a Mac truck. I could fill the rest of this page with fluff or tell you that I have it all together. However, I would not only be doing you a disservice, but I would be lying. Instead, I want to offer a few practical tips on how to be the best for everyone in your life, including yourself.
1. Plan it out.
To me this one should speak for itself, however you wouldn’t believe the number of people I encounter everyday who are just winging it. You’re probably thinking, “Gosh Holly. You talk about this all the time. We get it already”. Yes, I do share about this topic a lot but it’s because I believe in it that much and the majority of my friends, acquaintances and business owners aren’t doing it. When you think someone is making something look “easy” or that you could never do what they do because you’re too busy, I can promise you that it all comes down to a well thought out plan. I live by a calendar, a list and a time schedule. Of course, life happens at times and the calendar has to be adjusted, but there is always a plan and a purpose. As a dear friend of mine says, “Running around with your hair on fire is not productive.” And if you think you’re too “busy” to plan, then girlfriend, you’re the very one that NEEDS a plan!
I’ve included a couple of my favorite planners to help you get started.
Erin Condren Life Planner: https://www.erincondren.com/collage-lifeplanner
Academic Planner: https://amzn.to/31vi49k
Bloom Daily Planner: https://amzn.to/2KvaIwN
2. Learn to say “NO”
Now this may seem contradictory to being involved in everything, but hear me out. I’m talking about saying NO to things that don’t elevate your life, your business or your well being. I have found that some things just aren’t worth my energy because they’re draining or they don’t fit with me in this season of life. It doesn’t mean that they won’t at some point, but in order to keep moving forward I have to spend my time doing the things that help me prosper. If church is a priority, then having your child in every sport isn’t a necessity if it keeps you from the priority. People will understand and I promise having a happy, healthy you will be even better when the time is right for you to say “yes” again.
3. Self-Care
Just as important as taking care of everyone else is, it can’t be done when you haven’t given time to yourself. It doesn’t have to be a fancy massage or vacation, although those are nice. It can be as simple as a cup of coffee, alone, with a good book. Again, you have to write it down and plan for this time or it won’t happen. This is why my workout time is clearly written in my calendar. You’ll be amazed at how much better you are at mom-ming, wife-ing and working when you feel rejuvenated. Set aside some time each week for this. You deserve it.
4. Ask for Help
It is okay to ask for help. Let me say it louder for the people in the back. It is OKAY to ask for help! You are one person and can’t do everything alone. Parenting and marriage are meant to be two person gigs so don’t be afraid to ask. A shared workload is never a burden and will definitely make for a happier you and household. And when it comes to work or business, it’s okay if you don’t know but it’s not okay to not ask for assistance. For instance, I volunteered to be “Class Mom” this year for Aubrey’s class. I have no idea what that even means, but you can bet your bottom dollar I’ve already asked last year’s Class Mom to show me the ropes. I don’t have time to wing it. We always encourage children to ask questions to learn but for some reason this seems to become a novelty as an adult. I don’t know everything so you can dang sure believe I’m going to be asking. That’s how we learn and grow regardless of age or industry.
Whatever your season, plan accordingly. How you start will determine the next 9 months of the school year. Above all, do whatever it is you choose and do it with your whole heart. It’s easy to see through someone who isn’t passionate about what they’re doing, whether it’s volunteer work or a job. The world deserves the best version of you in all that you do!
With love,
