Can I tell you something? I don’t really want “it all”. I was reading this article recently, and this line struck me:
Because having it all, by its very nature, implies that you have a lot more than you can handle. Who can handle “it all,” anyway? “ALL” IS A WHOLE F**KING HELL OF A LOT.
These days I find myself balancing more than sometimes even I realize between my work life and my life life. On the average week, my to do list looks something like this: 40 hour workweek at my “real” job, 10-12 hours in class for my MBA plus 4-6 hours of homework, 10-15 hours working on a side project, time spent writing this blog (give or take 75 hours a week). Then there’s the grocery shopping, managing the schedule for the house-based services we use, including our dog walker, and anything additional that might happen to pop up (water damage in 7 rooms in our house this winter? On it.). Add on commuting time, an appointment here and there, family commitments, time spent with friends, and we’re looking at a less than perfect schedule (and less than ideal time sleeping). But somehow I still figure out how to find the time to watch my favorite shows and read a little bit. I don’t think what I do is perfect, but it works for me and my little family.
Here are three tips to creating balance for yourself, regardless of how crazy (or not) your schedule is:
Make sure you check out these other blogs for other tips on creating work/life balance (from people who do it pretty well!). We all linked up with The B Bar today to talk about balance.
Photos via my Instagram
Edit! Great advice…I also think about that idea as "what is worth my energy"? If I don't think something is worth my energy, I edit it out. Great advice.
Organization is so key! I've got my own little system to that I use – a mix of written and verbal. 🙂
I constantly am working on editing my life! I tend to bite off more than is good for me and it is a never ending struggle to step back.
Alyssa J Freitas
Oh my! You have so much on your plate! I really like your advice about editing. I've considered myself in the process of editing for the past two years – everything from professionally to my hobbies. It has been one of the more rewarding processes of my entire life.
You are one busy girl! I give you so much credit for balancing a full time job and your MBA degree (oh, and all that other stuff). I'm so with you on the need for organization. I call myself a "perpetual list-maker;" sometimes I'll even make lists for making lists! That might be called insanity.. I'm always interested to hear other people's strategies though– thanks for sharing!
Learning to let go is something I'm TRYING so hard to do. I've let go of stress over the things I can't control, so that's a step in the right direction.
You certainly do have a lot on your plate… but it sounds like you have the right perspective and attitude to tackle it. I am definitely working on the "edit" piece… that's one I could use setting an intentional goal around. I didn't participate in the actual link up, but am enjoying the topic so much I posted about it today!