Never-ending Tightrope

 Hello from Michigan!  Though February, it’s a high of 42F today. Ice fishermen are not impressed.

As a recently self-published author, I am still finding a balance between work and home life.  I want to be writing.  I have ideas for my characters, elaborate scenes and schemes ruminating in my imagination.  I long to write the fourth book in the series, if only I could finish the third first, not to mention the prequel which only needs a final edit.

But I also work as a nurse full-time and have been taking on more responsibilities there, revamping the orientation process and doing more with staff development.

Then there are the kids: 2, 5, and 6 years old.  They keep me busy with a whole spectrum of things, but even the daily routine of meals, snacks, diapers, baths, laundry, dishes, and preparing for school/daycare can feel stressful. 

Exercising?  Not usually, between a lack of time, motivation, and energy.

I have a husband who also wants to spend time with me and have my attention while doing so.  We enjoy playing video games together but haven’t had a lot of opportunities to do it lately.

I still manage to eke out about one partial day a month to do something with friends, but that free time is divided with visiting family.  I have one set of grandparents left and it’s important for me to see them when I can, but they live two hours away.

Enter trying to create a social media following and blog.  What started as a fun hobby has rapidly morphed into feeling like work. 

How do I juggle all these tasks?  Every once in a while, it would be nice to sit down and read the latest book from one of my favorite authors.  Audiobooks are great and I utilize them often, but I’m talking about relaxing. 

Honestly, I don’t have a magical answer.  I know every day is a new day, so when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I try to remember it won’t like this be forever.

People often say “It won’t last forever.  Once your kids are more independent, you’ll have more time to do things.”  People also say “Enjoy this time with your little ones!  They will be grown before you know it!”

Long days, short years.

As my oldest is almost 7, I can see what they mean.  I try to keep that in mind when my two-year-old is melting down because she can’t have more candy, or my son accidentally slams her fingers in the door trying to keep her out, or I trip on another toy that I swear we JUST cleaned up.  I do enjoy the snuggles, even when they are a little wet because she has yet another cold.  And the way she says “Mama” melts my heart.  I love my kiddos and would do anything to keep them safe and healthy.

In an effort to strike a better balance, I am going to decrease the number of blogs I create at this time.  I plan to do 1-2 per week to give me more time to devote to writing.  I was trying to do one every day but it doesn’t feel sustainable.

 

If anyone has any helpful suggestions, comment below!  I know I’m not the only one in this situation!

 

Check out my books and tell me what you think! à www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKBV51XN



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