Have you ever had a day where you didn’t get to anything on your list because you were needed constantly by others?
As deliberate mothers, we’re glad that we’re needed. We believe motherhood is a privilege.
But sometimes we need help answering this question:
How do we get things done and take care of ourselves when the unpredictable and important needs of our children, spouses, and friends keep cropping up?
In this radio show, April and Saren discuss some of our community’s best ideas for how we can avoid feeling overwhelmed and put-upon as we strive to find balance between working on our projects and meeting the needs of those we want to support. Suggestions include:
(1) Recognize our current times and seasons.
(2) Simplify our lives (Make short lists. De-clutter.)
(3) Organize how we use our time.
- Even 45 minutes of project work a day helps.
- Focus on one type of cleaning per day.
- Early to bed, early to rise.
- Set up good systems for organizing tasks.
- Set goals–focus on top 3 and identify next steps.
- Decide which types of boundaries you need.
(4) Put people first (without anger or resentment).
(5) Keep moving forward – even if it’s just an inch at a time.
(6) Pray for strength.
(7) Remember that when we signed up for motherhood, we signed up for the hard stuff along with the good.
If you have more ideas to add, please type them into the comment area below!
Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks
Audio Editing by Christy Elder
This was just what I needed to hear! I took the time to listen to this broadcast as my 1 year old and 3 year old napped and my 16 year old was at drivers education! Time well spent! One more quick idea…. When you feel you are not getting enough accomplished in the day…. Take a moment to take an inventory of what you DID accomplish instead if what you didn’t. Example… Woke up, got kids dressed, chatted and had breakfast with kids and husband, did three loads if laundry and put them on the line, did dishes, straightened daughters hair, NOW LUNCHTIME!!!!! Haha! Yes, I have accomplished a lot and its just the morning.. Most importantly… Listened to my kids and touched base with my husband! My family will not remember if I scrubbed the floor today but they will remember that I took time to listen, laugh and play!
Most of all…… I totally agree with the time to pray!!!!
Thanks again!
Such an important idea, Dawna! When we write down everything we’ve done in a day, it’s generally a very impressive list – even on the days when we haven’t felt particularly productive.
I keep trying to listen to this but I keep getting interrupted by my little ones. They are too old for naps and my teen stays up too late. I think I’m going to download it and listen while on my walk. The only time I get to do something without being interrupted. 🙂
Paula:
Great idea. I always listen to podcasts on walks or runs. Interruptions are just a part of motherhood, aren’t they? But we CAN get things down when we really think about how to make things happen and get creative when need be.
Thank you! Exactly what I needed today.
Thank you for this podcast! I have listened to it a few times as I keep finding myself needing this reminder. I HAVE to remember that I have a 20 month old and that I’m not going to be able to do all the things I was able to do before she was born, or when she was younger and slept more. I need to do better at using my time wisely. I get about 1 1/2 hours during naptime to get things done without a toddler demanding my attention, and I need to put the phone and laptop down (unless a phone call or something on the computer is one of my next actions for a project). And I need to create a better cleaning schedule so I do less each day. Wow, I needed this one!