Let’s talk about “mom guilt” for just a moment.
I get it.
Mom guilt is what we choose to feel when we decide we aren’t living up to the very strict standards we place on our own selves. And, just where do those standards come from? Well, we look at social media all day long with picture perfect images of spotless homes and happily laughing children….because rarely do people take photos of their miles high pile of dishes in the sink and their half clothed, cranky kids running around making endless messes around the house and then post how “amazing” their life is, right?
And, if you are a working mom, well, you can just forget it, because we are extra hard on ourselves. We tell ourselves that there’s hardly any time for anything. That’s our story anyway.
I am a work at home mom. My essential oil business keeps me very busy with mentoring, scheduling and prepping for classes, videos, webinars, trainings, etc, and a variety of other activities that take time and effort. And, on top of that, I keep up with my house, laundry, meals, cleaning, shopping, etc. as best I can. Thankfully, I have a very supportive and helpful husband who also pitches in to help me keep up there. I know not everyone has that, so I don’t take that for granted. But, let’s face it, our house isn’t “Better Homes and Gardens” photo ready at all times. It’s not the beautiful clutter-free, totally organized, spiffy home you see on Pinterest or Instagram that makes you feel inadequate as you scroll through your timeline or the professionally taken pinned photos. Far from it. But, I love my space and feel comfortable in it every single day. My kids are here and with me in this home I love, but I cannot always be completely present with them all day long.
This year I am being more intentional about everything, but time especially. I have never loved time blocking my days so much…..until now. I schedule my days, weeks and months out in advance (with lots of flexibility of course) and I know what I want to accomplish each and every single day so that I don’t feel guilty and feel like I “should” be doing other things when I sit down to play games on a Wednesday morning with my 3 year old who craves time with his Mommy while big brother is at school.
Time blocking used to sound so rigid and strict to me. I learned of this concept about 2 years ago. It didn’t resonate with me, so I did it about a week and dumped it. However, as my children have gotten older and my business has continued to grow, I have felt the pull to have more scheduled time. If the time is blocked, even if it’s playtime with the kids, you know exactly what your plan is for the day, and you don’t feel that guilt. You can play games and watch movies with your kids or go shopping or have that massage without guilt because you PLANNED IT into your time. And, it feels oh so good to have that freedom of not thinking there is something else you “should” or “have to” be doing during that time. This system also allows me to ensure that I have one day a week off that I don’t do any work related activities. Sunday is that day for me.
Let me encourage you that it took me nearly four years in my doTERRA business to figure this little gem of a schedule out and it’s still not a perfect plan but rather a consistent work in progress as my life is ever changing, growing and developing. I’ve had my own business for 12 years and six and a half of those with kids. It’s a constant juggle. But, my family and kids (2 boys and one on the way) are a huge part of my “WHY” and therefore worth every bit of the time I spend working on my growing business. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what I do. It brings me so much joy to empower people with health and wellness solutions, as well as helping others grow their fabulous doTERRA businesses.
If you are a mom and struggling with “balancing” it all, please know that you are not alone. Many of us get you. The struggle is real. Remember that you can do anything but not everything and it’s okay to give yourself permission to let some things go. Sometimes that means forever or sometimes that’s just for this season. Your life is worth making a plan for and you deserve to own your time. Have the courage to say no to the things that don’t bring you joy and that do not add value to your life as a whole.
Press on my dear friends. You are loved. You are enough. And, you are adequately equipped for anything that comes your way. May 2017 be your best and most thriving year yet!
