Some of you have noticed that I have been MIA on my blog for some time now. Of course, this is not my intent. I have big plans for this blog… in my head. However, the more I plan and work towards a specific goal, the harder life resists me. Isn’t that life as a mother?
I thought about letting this blog go completely. Yet, it means so much to me, and whenever I have that small thought in my mind, one of its frequent readers will email me with a question, a thank you, or ask me why I have been MIA. And I remember that’s not the right path for this blog that has helped so many.
I’m sure you can relate as a mom, which many of my readers are. There’s simply no way to balance it all. It comes down to improving time management and figuring out what is more important to you.
How I Plan on Being More Intentional
Right now, I am in that season. You know, the one, the season where everything feels hard. My plans for this blog and its future are vivid and alive… in my mind. But then I have life, kids, marriage, work, and everything in between, just like everyone else. It is so easy to look at other people, other bloggers, other mothers and ask, HOW DO THEY DO IT ALL? This has been something I have been struggling with for some time now. The inadequacy feeling. As I was figuring out what my next post should be about, I had all of these ideas. Then a tiny voice came into my mind: maybe you should be honest about your struggles. I did this for quite some time on this blog when I first started.
The Beginning
The beginning of this blog didn’t start as a parenting blog. It was a place where I could write about my son, who passed away at six days old. I used it as a way to grieve and heal. And if you look hard enough and far enough back on my posts, you will be able to see some of those earlier blog posts. You will see that they are far from perfect. They do not have the correct SEO or what Google is looking for. But what they are raw, honest, and meaningful.
Then I started writing about parenting and being an intentional mom, and those posts took me somewhere I didn’t even think was possible, with a loyal group of readers who truly wanted to read what I wrote. But with it came negative nellies, tearing the practical tips I shared to shreds. Which is to be expected, right? So, I stopped writing nearly as much. I became busy with life, and I used it as an excuse.
Yet, I can’t help but shake the fact that some people enjoy what I write, and I can’t simply stop writing for them. But I do not have to have all the answers. The best thing I can do is share what I am learning along the way. As a mom of four who sometimes feels like I can barely make it through the day somedays, I know I am not the only one who feels that way.
Where I am Now
The reasons I have been so MIA are multiple. For starters, my kids keep me busy the majority of the time. I have a very energetic toddler who has her own very specific mind. She has determined that my ways are not hers simply because they go against what she wants. (all the mommas of strong-willed toddlers raise their hands!)
On top of keeping up with my toddler, I homeschool my other three older children, one of whom is special needs and demands (literally demands it) more of my attention.
This keeps me busy on top of running a household, doing chores, and working full-time as a freelance writer.
All of these obligations have kept me from one of the things I love and cherish: this blog.
Yet I have decided you will not see less of me anymore; I have determined to take charge of my time and be more intentional. With these tips, I hope to say goodbye to excuses and write more. You may find yourself in this season of life, too. If so, these tips can hopefully help you the way they will and have helped me!
How to Take Charge of Your Time as A Busy Mom
Many tips are floating around the web these days about how to manage time. We know many of them, but do we put them to practical use? These are the tips I am implementing as a super busy mom, just like you!
Do Not Overpack Your Obligations
If you are like me, your mind is constantly thinking about all the awesome steps you want to take, resolutions you want to move forward with, and habits you want to change. The steps are in place, but tackling them is nearly impossible with the necessary obligations you have. One step I am taking is scaling back my obligations and expectations of myself and my family. It’s not feasible for me to write one article a day on this blog right now, but I hope one day to be able to. Yet, setting a reasonable goal is better than not writing at all right now.
Set Boundaries With Your Family
Some moms have kids with more specific needs than others. Some children require more attention and hands-on parenting. Sometimes, asking for help with the kids, whether from a spouse or a family member, is essential. I am also setting definite boundaries with my children while I am working. I used to feel bad about it, but now I realize it’s a necessary life skill they need to learn.
Give Your Self Grace
No one is perfect; as a mom, we put much pressure on ourselves. Give yourself grace to know that you are doing your best with what you have. That in itself is good.
Say Yes to Self Care
Self-care is so important. It is so easy to neglect self-care. It has become easy for me, too! As a homeschool mom, sometimes I need a break. Do not be afraid to say yes to self-care in whatever season of life you are in.
Get off Social Media and Your Phone
This is a big one. Our screens are such a time suck. The other day, I got a notification on my phone that said I spent an average of 6.5 hours on my phone daily that week. UGH! That is too much time; of course, it wasn’t consecutive, but that time could be used better elsewhere. Getting off social media will help me stay more focused on the task ahead, and turning off my phone when I am working will also help me be more productive.
Make Time When You Are Most Energized
When are you most energized? Is it right in the morning? Is it in the evening? How about the middle of the day? I have been struggling with this for some time. I am depleted by the end of the night. When my kids go to bed, the last thing I want to do is work. However, I love sleeping in. It has come to a point where I need to choose which one is the best time for me to write. Since I am so depleted by the end of the day, whether I get up early or not, waking up early is the best option in my busy season of life.
You Can’t Do Everything as a Mom or Even as a Person
You cannot do it all as a mom or person. There are seasons in our lives that feel hard. You will not always be in these seasons, and neither will I. Sometimes, saying goodbye to something is necessary to make room for important things. Other times, taking charge and making time for the activities you love is necessary. That is what I am planning on doing now. What about you? What do you want to take charge of today?
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- Start Practicing Peaceful Parenting Today
Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!