Finding Balance

I came across this image on Facebook today and it really struck a chord with me. The last few years, making ends meet and taking care of Charley have been pretty much all I've had time to do. Between teaching and coaching, I work about 50 hours a week during the school year and unfortunately that takes a toll on my social life. At times, it's difficult to find enough hours in the day to get all my work done, Charley taken care of, and dishes in the dishwasher. But this summer has been different for me. For the first time in a VERY long time, I've found a great balance and I love it.

When it comes to work, I tend to push myself... A LOT. Given the fact that I've chosen teaching and coaching as my careers, I find myself physically and mentally engaged in something, 90 percent of the time. There's rarely a dull moment in my classroom or the gym, and I legitimately care about the kids I work with in both settings. That's probably part of the reason I get so drained during the school year. I'm emotionally invested in my students, which wears me out. Then I leave the school and head to the gym, and I'm invested in those kids, too! It's no wonder that on the weekends all I can seem to accomplish is housework and getting caught up on sleep.

This summer, I've been kind of spoiled. I basically work 3-4 hours a day at the gym with a group of girls that really WANT to be successful. I've been taking Charley to daycare every day, so I can concentrate on work while I'm at the gym and know she's having fun and getting the mental stimulation she needs. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm just not entertaining enough to keep her amused all day long! Sending her to school has contributed to the balance I've found in my life this summer. When I finish coaching, I have several hours before I need to pick her up, which means I have time to run errands... BY MYSELF! Any parent knows the feeling of perusing a store child-free... It's heavenly. Half of the time I don't even buy anything, I just walk the aisles, taking as long as I want to, without being prompted to buy a toy or go home. It's been very relaxing to say the least. I've also had time to clean my house regularly, and my new place has been consistently clean since we moved in (I'm hoping I didn't just jinx myself). It really is nice to walk into a house that's clean, tidy, and comfortable. When I get home, I can just plop down on the couch and relax for awhile and I really enjoy that time.

Another thing I've rekindled this summer is a social life. When I first moved back to Minnesota, I was bouncing between my parents' homes, both of which were extremely close to where my friends lived. That made it easy to keep up with the group of girls I've hung around with my whole life. As Charley and I got settled into a place of our own, and I started working (thus getting into a steady routine), it became more and more difficult to make time for my friends. Between work, Charley, and sleep, I haven't had time for much else. But this summer I've been able to meet friends for coffee, grab lunch, go to the pool, and a number of other things because I've been given the gift of free time. It's something my life has been lacking, and it's pulling me back into balance. I'm generally a positive, happy person, but there's always a certain degree of underlying stress, and I haven't felt that in the last couple of months. It's kind of nice to have found a good balance between work, Charley, me-time, and a social life!

With all of that said, I think what I've learned so far this summer is that balance is important. It's something people always said to me, but I never understood it because I had never experienced it before! For as long as I can remember, I've worked multiple jobs. Working a lot gives me focus and keeps me busy. In the past, I worked a lot because I wanted to keep busy. The last couple of years, I've worked a lot out of necessity. But there really is something to be said for finding a work-life balance. I'm happier. I'm more relaxed. I'm less stressed out. I'm probably a better mom! And honestly, my mindset has changed because I've finally figured out what it means to take time for myself, and prioritize having a social and personal life. So what does this mean, going forward? Obviously, during the school year I'll be working more than 4 hours a day and an increase in my stress level is inevitable. But I think I've figured out that at times I'm going to need to say, "No," when I feel like I'm being stretched too thin. I need to make time wherever I can to maintain and grow my relationships with the people in my life. Because let's be honest, building relationships (with friends, co-workers, family, etc.) makes life a lot more fun!

So, at this point, I'm planning to take advantage of the next few weeks while I'm only working a few hours a day. I'm going to absorb as much me-time as possible, and spend time with the wonderful people in my life! I'm going to spend as much quality time with Charley as I can, and enjoy every minute of it. I'll revel in my newly-found balance and strive to continue to 'make a life,' as I move into the next school year. With that said, it's late and time for bed. Have a great week!