I have been thinking lately about the “balance” between being a mother and a freelancer. It seems like there is never time to do everything. Recently, (the past year) I made the most conscious effort to put family before anything work related. Here’s what happened, work has lagged a little behind—but honestly not by much. Am I happier? Heck YES! I feel like I have been giving my family 100% and it feels great. No, I haven’t made a ton of money this year. And yes, I could have blogged more, taken on more clients, wrote more guest blog posts, shot more sponsored posts but really I am not sure it would have mattered a ton.
What I do know is that I went on a ton of family trips, spent time with my beautiful children, drank wine on my patio with my husband and read more lovely books than I can count. So I have to say, life is pretty amazing. With that said, I am always striving for a balance, not a perfect one (there really isn’t such a thing) just one that works right now. Isn’t everyone? Here are my new five mantras to fit in some studio time this fall…
1. Set boundaries on business hours: I wrote about boundaries last week on how to be a better freelancer, and I stand by my wacky business hours! I work when the kids are sleeping. Period. If I am working while I am with them, then I am ignoring them and it’s just not the type of parent I want to be.
2. Unplug from your business and plug into your life: Social media has been amazing for me in the blogging and business world. However, if I am trying to edit an Insta what am I missing out on? SO MUCH! Get out there and live! Take tons of pictures, but share them later and not in real time. Stressing over what to say, share or not share is never as fun as living in the moment.
3. Let go of perfectionism: Nothing is perfect, you can only do what you can and what brings you happiness. People aren’t perfect and that is what makes them wonderful. If I don’t blog on a Thursday or show up a little late for pickup, it’s not the end of the world. Everything will be OK.
4. Get focused and establish a routine: My routine so far has been working. However, we have another little on the way and that is definitely going to get all muddled. I am not sure how it will all work out, but Luke will be back at school and Wesleigh will be at nursery school two mornings a week so that gives some wiggle room to establish a new routine. Just because you get organized doesn’t mean that your routine is set in stone. It will change and evolve.
5. Cultivate your tribe and support system: You can’t do everything alone and neither can I! I have an amazing family and group of friends I can count on. I also have some amazing colleagues I can send work to when I am on maternity leave. You better believe I will be calling on them! Your family tribe and your work tribe are those you can count on for support, but also those you return the favor to when they are in need.
