Finding a Balance

As a mom, we all wear many hats.  We are everything from the nurse, house cleaner, chauffeur, cheerleader, and so on.  When I was younger I use to take pride that I could do everything myself.  I wouldn't say I was a feminist, but pretty close.   As I've gotten older I've realized there is a reason there is a divide on "chores" and am starting to greatly appreciate it.  I would much rather do the dishes and laundry (although he does help) than fish an entire roll of toilet paper out of the toilet with the plumber on an emergency weekend visit, find the mystery smell in the attic, or get rid of the snake in the backyard!  Sad as this may sound, I confess to even refolding towels that my husbands and kids tried to help me fold.  Age, busy schedules and a more carefree attitude, have helped me realize the towels looking perfect in the bathroom closet is not a high priority.  I mean, it is not like there is a towel inspector going to people's houses to make sure towels are folded neatly and a certain way!

Joking aside, running an online business is a lot of the same thing.  On any given day I am the marketing person, photographer, blogger, sewer, etc.  The hardest part at the beginning was separating my business and the house work.  I would be too busy going to meetings at school, trying to catch up on laundry and cleaning the house, and put my business on the back burner to be even more stressed out later.

I am learning that even though I work at home it is important to set aside certain timeframes of when I plan to do business for the day.  If I have a meeting at school, I set a schedule of what has to be done when I get back and stick to it no matter what.  I try to do what house work I need to in early morning or evenings after the kids go to bed.  I've also discovered sewing when you are tired is not the greatest idea.  Take a break when you need it.  Keep a "To Do" list it.  This helps you get organized and feels great to check things off of the list instead of turning them over inside your head in the middle of the night.  The hardest thing is YOU are the only one who holds yourself accountable.  You have to set hours and goals just like you would have at a normal job.

Even if you don't have an online business.  The mom job is very hard.  Try to prioritize what tasks are truly important.  Make a list and then a schedule.  Put a reasonable amount of time aside for the important things.  Is it okay that it takes a few days to do in small portions?  Most things aren't as overwhelming if you take them in pieces.  As for housework...even as daunting as it is, if you let it go a day it gets out of hand.  Make a quick run through the house each day to get things picked up.  You will thank yourself later.

I'm still learning how to balance, which is a task for all moms.  We are definitely made differently than our husbands, but I think that is a great thing!  Any tips anyone has please share!  We can learn a lot from each other!

Keep Anne Maddox Boutique in mind for Valentine's Day!  New pajamas coming soon!

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