Being a Mom, a wife, working a full time job in radio, running a business and being pregnant… sadly there is no such thing as perfect balance. (And it kills my Libra soul to say that!) But we do our best, we try for it, it’s always a work in progress. There are 5 things that I do to maintain some kind of balance.
Plan Ahead
I use a weekly agenda where I’m able to write out a to-do list for each day. I generally plan all our family outings at the start of every month. I put it in our calendar because if I don’t, I always end up working. It’s the truth! But running a business on the side takes up most of my free time and then some.
Know what your challenges are and adjust or adapt
In my case, pregnancy is a challenge. I’m always tired! Other challenges are distractions like social media. I have to time block my days so I can be productive.
Ask for help
My Mom, family and husband are HUGE helps. I go through my weekly to-do list every week with Chris. He will find things on that list to take care of. ie – clean the house, print photos for baby books, get groceries, accounting, planning accommodations for trips, dr appointments for kids etc. I’ve said it before… finding balance is a village thing. You’re whole village (family, spouse, friends, employer, work) has to understand and know what you’d like to accomplish so they know how and where to help out.
Schedule in your Me-Time
I work from home and one of my biggest challenges is separating work from home-life. There’s no such thing in my eyes. The lines, if any, are super blurred. I work when my kids are in bed, occupied, out or watching TV. Which means I work when it should be my down-time. So… I have to schedule in my “me-time”. Just like I would an appointment. And just like you wouldn’t miss an appointment and you would work around it, I don’t miss my me-time. Me time can be exercising, going out with a friend for coffee, or doing a facemask and relaxing, alone, undisturbed.
Make time for what makes you happy and focus on that.
This is a tough one because everyone’s situation is different. I’m lucky enough to have chosen a career that I love and is my life. I do what comes easiest to me and that’s how I make my living. To some people, it doesn’t look like work, but I’m working 😉
It took me a long time to figure out how to make money off what comes easiest to me. I wouldn’t say I’m 100% there, but I’m pretty darn close. And because of that, I’m grateful.
Family. My kids and family make me so happy. But to fully enjoy all the moments with them I have to be present. I don’t want to go through life missing all the good memories, I want to be there for them. I make a point to have time and make time for them. I cancel things, say no to things, move my schedule around, work late, get up early, just so I’m there.
Hopefully this list helps inspire you or plant some seeds, so you remember your WHY. WHY you do what you do. Being a Mom is tough. We care about so many things and we have our own goals and wants for ourselves. It’s hard to juggle everyone’s needs and keep ours in mind. But finding balance is about finding what works for YOU, sticking to the plan, communicating it and getting help to stay focused.
Thank you to Oasis Canada for encouraging me to write this post.
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
