Balance and Self-care

Where have I been?  I made a commitment to myself when I launched the blog to post twice a week. My first blog was posted on Father’s Day.  Throughout the summer I kept that commitment to myself.

My last post was in August. September was a killer where I didn’t keep my personal commitment.  I disappointed myself and I’ve been kicking myself for weeks. I’ve come up with ideas, sat down to write and the words, the theme, the topic just didn’t come. I was so frustrated.  I was tired.

Why was I feeling this way?  Because it was no longer summer. The routine changed.  The summer routine, with late sunsets that left room to breathe were gone in a flash.  The back-to-school routine kicked back in fast and furious. Every moment of the week scheduled. Mornings begin when the alarm goes off at 5:15. I drag myself out of bed and immediately start the routine of making sure the boys get out of the house on-time.  Once they are out the door, shortly after, I begin my workday.  Some days working from home, some days commuting into the office. 

Planning and scheduling are critical to keep every ball in the air, and this isn’t easy. Daily, with each hour that passes, each item I check off the to do list, I add on two more after that.  My corporate job keeps me busy during the day.  The workday ends and the evening routine starts where I change focus to the boys. 

Keeping track of kids’ homework assignments, after school activities, doctors’ appointments, on and on, the list goes.  Who needs to be where and when do they need to be there?  The husband and I divide and conquer. What do the boys need to remember, is it something they need to wear, is it clean?  Is it something they need to bring, like drumsticks or a water bottle.  Reminding them each step of the way.   

I struggle. I struggle to keep up. I struggle to find peace. I struggle to accept that I’m doing enough. I struggle to balance it all.

The day officially winds down anywhere from 8, 9 or 10pm depending on the day of the week. 

The weekends slip by in a blur.

Why am I sharing this?  I know I’m not alone. Mom’s and Dad’s, caregivers alike, all feel like this at one time or another. I write to remind you; I write to remind myself that the sun will set, and the sun will rise. You are doing ok. Cut yourself some slack. Set boundaries for yourself. Take a moment, or dare I say two, for self-care.

The seasons change and with it our approach on how to balance responsibilities with self-care.  The days get short.  Make the time to go for that walk while listening to your favorite playlist or podcast.  Remembering to breathe and stretch your body through yoga practice.  Maybe it’s time to snuggle under a blanket, sip a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea and read a great novel or even write a novel!  Whatever self-care looks like for you, do it, don’t just think about it. Prioritize yourself. You are not alone, and you deserve it.  Your body deserves the break.  Release the stress.  Relax your mind.  Do it for yourself, do it for those around you.