Finding the balance with life demands can be a huge challenge. Let’s quantify my demands on any given night. I am sure, if you are a mom, you can relate. Trying to cook dinner while daughter #1 wants to play hide and seek, daughter #2 wants another piece of candy and my undivided attention so she can tell me a story about her friends, my husband wants to talk about a vacation or work challenges, oh and did I mention, I had a hard day at work and am still replaying that meeting and what I could have done differently in my head. Life can be challenging. Time is of the essence. These types of days, being pulled in different directions, can be a true struggle.
So let’s flip this situation on its side: WOW! What a huge compliment! Everyone in my household wants my attention. I am the go to person. I must be doing something right as a mom and wife if everyone wants to include me in their decisions, playtime, or ask me for permission. Sounds easy enough right? But let’s be honest; that is something I need to remind myself of daily. This is exactly the home I wanted to create, so mission accomplished.
Here is how I try to find balance and peace in the daily grind. Hopefully you can steal a nugget or two.
- I try to be the first one up in the morning. This allows some “me” time to gather my thoughts before others take over. I make my list – what I need to accomplish that day whether it’s meetings, lunch with a business partner, errands after work, or what I am making for dinner. It also allows me to feel somewhat in control. I chose my wake up time, not a child yelling from the other room (my least favorite way to start a day).
- My husband and I have a rule; any topic valuable to us should be discussed while we are getting dressed, during our 15 minutes of adult talk at dinner, or after the girls go to bed. This approach ensures we are not disrupted, but more importantly, he has my undivided attention.
- I try to be the first one home. The house is quiet and I can playback my day without any background noise. If this is not possible, I stay in the car in the driveway for a few moments to gather my thoughts or reflect on my day.
- When I am required to give a family member my attention, they get it. I am present.
- And most importantly, I try to not be hard on myself when I get frustrated because everyone is pulling me in all directions.
A mantra that works well: Pause, Breathe, Smile, Proceed
