Submitted by Katie Danziger on | 1 Comments
Missed Katie's diary entry from last week? Read it HERE.
As I was packing for my much anticipated and needed trip with my oldest daughter, I realized that there were many things that I needed to do to "clear the deck" to get ready, which made me start to think again about balance, and how I feel that I am always trying to achieve that elusive state. Every day, I find the pull between what I would like to do, what I need to do and what I should do. I find that most times I end up sacrificing the things that I want to do for the "need" and "should" list.
But what about when what I want is to spend QT with my family, or take time for myself? Then I sometimes feel guilty, or pay for it later by staying up late, skipping lunch or getting up extra early. I have found one great way for me to be able to balance things is to create work times and times when I turn work off.
For example, if I have to get a bunch of orders out, and my littlest wants to come be with me, as much as I would love her company and songs, I know that it will take longer, and I will probably make mistakes and get frustrated, so it is easier and better for me to ask her to leave, lock the door, and plow through. Then when I am done, I can close the computer, leave the Blackberry and spend time with her mostly guilt-free. On the other hand, I know if I take time for myself, like this upcoming trip with my oldest daughter, it means late nights getting ready, and even setting the alarm for an early morning of work before we leave. Even writing this diary entry is happening at 12:03am, so that I can "clear the deck" and really get away!
I have learned, or am learning, that achieving balance is a constant state of teeter tottering.
Comments
I have to say, that my new
I have to say, that my new 10month year old daughter is making me have balance. As a new mom, there are so many things bombarding my head, one of them being quality time with her, and quality time with my work that I enjoy. When my babysitter is here, I have to be diligent about sticking to my todo list (and those items that fly in on their own!). Then when the clock strikes the hour when she leaves, I shut my computer, and it's easier not to stalk my iPhone for emails. I also found this sense of being "done" when I worked at the shared work space In Good Company. I paid to be there, out of my home office, so I thought I'd better make the most of it. Was very good for me, to get into high focus mode, and then head home.