My Work/Life Balance List {Revisited}

Hey Folks,

When I got home last night two of my kiddies were asleep. Which means I didn't see them at all yesterday because when I left home they were asleep. One was still awake and was so happy to hug me (and he's not the most affectionate of the bunch). When my daughter heard my voice this morning she was elated! She must have kissed me about 7 times and of course my heart melted.

I miss my babies during the week and have to remember to keep a serious balance between work and home. My family is the most important element of my life and I know that if I keep them top of mind I will make sure I spend as much time with them as I humanly can.

I had to go back and check out a post a wrote a couple years ago to affirm my desire to have a good work/life balance. It's hard for working mom's but we gotta make it happen our families NEED us.


So here is MrsDeveter's list on making this journey worth living.

1. Know when to say NO! This goes for work and home... you have to know when enough is too much! You have to be able to tell your boss "no I can't stay late today but I can come in a little earlier tomorrow to finish this project ." No at home can happen when family members are asking you to do things that you just don't want or have time to do. Saying no is big on my list and I think I've pretty much mastered it.

2. Realize your role. My friend and I always use the line "stay in your lane." Sometimes it's difficult at home and work to only do the things that you are responsible for. At home if your job is to take out the trash ... take out the trash. Don't sweep the floor, do the dishes and forget to take out the trash. You have to complete the work that is assigned to your hands. If you stay in your lane you won't be exhausted at the end of the day. This goes for home and work. If your job is to make copies and hand them out... do just that... don't read the copy and point out all the errors to the person who asked you to make the copies. That is their job.... STAY IN YOUR LANE!

Sacrifices Must Be Made!

Hey y'all,

I'm back to work and so very happy about it, but sacrifices are being made and sometimes that doesn't make for a happy mama.

Over the past week I realized how much we actually sacrifice as parents for the futures of our children and how many parents before us did the same thing. Over the past week I learned what it must feel like for parents who, in the early days left the South to come North and build a better life for their children or how it feels today for parents who migrate to America leaving their children home; to make a better life for them here. Many families are separated for years only visiting for brief periods. Over the past week I had to live out of state away from my children because of the expense of travel. Starting a new job is tight on the pockets so you have to think with your head and not your heart.

It was NOT easy.

After being home with the twins for almost 9 months dropping off and picking Erick up from school, preparing dinner, doing homework etc. then having to stop everything cold turkey was a battle. Last week I couldn't even tuck my babies into bed at night, smooch them in the morning or reprimand them for hiding in the closet and knocking down all of the clothes. Last week I didn't get to watch Nick or Disney Jr and I honestly missed it, I missed them!

I am so thankful for my husband. He is absolutely amazing, caring and willing to sacrifice for the bigger picture. He took on the role of a single parent and did a bang up job.

Parents enjoy the time you spend with your children. It's often tiring but so worth it. They say you never miss the water until the well has gone dry and that is the truth.

Until next time... I'm going to smooch my babies
MUAH!

Mama Is Back at Work!

Hey Y'all,

After 8 1/2 months of unemployment I am excited to announce that I am now employed! God did it again!!! Sometimes what you think is meant for you isn't. God has a much bigger and better plan for your life. Be patient and unwavering in your faith and trust me it will all work out for your good!


That was my facebook status update last week. Today begins my first full week of work and I'm super excited. I truly enjoyed my summer off but I'm so happy that I am back at work and having conversations with adults! I have a lot to learn in a short period of time but I'm confident that I'm going to be an asset to my new company.

Now that I'm back at work I have to keep in mind this list I wrote some time ago about work life balance!


1. Know when to say NO! This goes for work and home... you have to know when enough is too much! You have to be able to tell your boss "no I can't stay late today but I can come in a little earlier tomorrow to finish this project ." No at home can happen when family members are asking you to do things that you just don't want or have time to do. Saying no is big on my list and I think I've pretty much mastered it.

2. Realize your role. My friend and I always use the line "stay in your lane." Sometimes it's difficult at home and work to only do the things that you are responsible for. At home if your job is to take out the trash ... take out the trash. Don't sweep the floor, do the dishes and forget to take out the trash. You have to complete the work that is assigned to your hands. If you stay in your lane you won't be exhausted at the end of the day. This goes for home and work. If your job is to make copies and hand them out... do just that... don't read the copy and point out all the errors to the person who asked you to make the copies. That is their job.... STAY IN YOUR LANE!

3. Take a time out . This is really important to me. Even at work I take about 15 mins outside of my (unpaid) lunch to give myself a break. If you are a stay at home parent you need to do the same thing. When the other parent makes their appearance or when your little one finally takes a nap, you need to give yourself a time out! Take a walk around the block, go to the gym , read a chapter in that novel you started six months ago; do something for YOU. Having time for yourself helps you  take a step back and look at things from a different perspective. It gives you balance.

4. Recognize you can't do it all. Sometimes even the things that are assigned to you can be too much. Recognize that you are human and you can't do it all and you certainly can't be all things to all people. Realize and vocalize your limits and don't feel bad about it.

5. Have fun. The best balance in work/life is enjoying whatever you do. Whether it is working or taking care of your family. Enjoy it and give it your all. Apply items 1-4 and then fun and you have a very good balance in your life. The scale won't always be even but make sure that a portion of fun is always included.

Until next time...
MUAH!