Work. Life. Balance. Not.

I know this is not my typical headline. And this might not be my typical post. But after the last two weeks in my life, the post is happening whether I like it or not.

I know I tend to expect quite a lot of myself and take on a ton of commitments. I also usually do a good job of counterbalancing my work and business time with my family time. Usually, the time left for me is a bit marginal, but I’m so fulfilled with all of the choices I have made and with how I live my life that I don’t really need it - my “me” time is going for a walk with the kids, or brainstorming business ideas, or swapping emails with my new blogging buddies.

Yet “me” time is important. I haven’t gotten any for the last couple of weeks and I’m not going to get it anytime soon:

My mother-in-law passed away yesterday.
We got two new guinea pigs from a chain grocery store (I know. Stupid.). One died in less than two weeks. The kids were devastated.
Next week I have my 7 day certification course from 10a to 8p (with 2-3 hours of homework nightly) starting Sunday.
And to top it off, my period just started today (I might just delete that sentence before I publish this post. But I feel so crappy right now!!)

I can tell you how I used to handle life when it got like this. I used to go into overwhelm mode. And I used to take my mis-handling of the situations and make it mean something about myself - that I was a bad person, a bad mom, etc.

Thankfully I handle this stuff a little better today. But it doesn’t mean I handle it perfectly. Far from it :( .

In times like these, I don’t have a ton of words of wisdom. I need massive time for my business, I really need some time to reconnect with myself, yet my family REALLY needs me now, especially my husband.

So what do we do? Do we balance it all? No. We choose to let some things go.

What I didn’t do:

I didn’t BlogJolt last week (Sob). This weeks’ BlogJolt is totally late (Grr). I didn’t Blogtip this week (Boo). I didn’t finish my commitments this week for my Mastermind Group (thankfully they gave me a reprieve from my leverage this time around). And my site traffic is down because I have let go of my traffic building tasks for a little while (deep breath - people WILL come back!!). And I totally forgot to send $ to Blog for Chickens (Poop!).

What I did do:

We went to say goodbye to my hubby’s mom Betty this last weekend - she was lucid enough to be able to at least know we were there.

I have cleared my calendar to be there for my hubby for the next few days and to go to Indianapolis for the funeral - including blowing off some work to go out to lunch with him today.

I played more games with my kids this last week.

I did some journaling last night and even uncovered a limiting belief I had been carrying around (more on that in another post - good stuff came of it!!)

And I’m writing this post to share this with you - I’m frustrated, I want to cry (I think that’s the hormones, though!), and I wish my business was more mature so that more of it could run on autopilot right now. AND I want you all to know that even faced with all of this crap, I may not be perfect, but I continue to choose to live my life and run my business as an example, not a warning.

So for the next couple of weeks, posting will be a bit light. It’s a choice I don’t like to make, but it’s a choice I hope YOU would make when your family needs you.

Big hugs to everyone and I look forward to returning to my regularly scheduled posts!

Add to Technorati Favorites

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Explore posts in the same categories: eMoms Behind the Scenes, Work Life Balance

22 Comments on “Work. Life. Balance. Not.”

  1. Holly Schwendiman Says:

    You know Wendy, what makes blogging successful is the human element - like the one you just shared here. It keeps it real and engaging. This morning when I have more memories of waking up last night than of dreaming, I know it’s off to a rocky start. But the circle always goes around because it’s always moving. Sometimes we’re on top and sometimes we’re not. The balance doesn’t come from wanting to always be on top, but rather in recognizing (just as you’ve done) that we can’t always be there and keeping it in perspective. The busy person’s wheel moves very quickly, but at least we have a lot of visuals and accomplishments to remind us of those up moments which keeps the momentum flowing. Just wanted you to know you’re in good company and I for one really enjoying being able to ‘relate’ to other fantastic and busy people!!

    Hugs,
    Holly
    Holly’s Corner

  2. Olivia Brown Says:

    Wendy, condolences to you and your family. Thank you for your “real” post; I personally think that those are the best ones of all. Take time out to live your life—that’s what’s important. We’ve all been there. We’ll be here when you come back.

    Blessings, Grace, and Rest to You,

    Olivia

  3. eMom Says:

    Thanks guys - I don’t know if it’s the hormones,my week, or your wonderful comments (probably a combo of all of the above) - but reading these has made me shed a tear or two (or five!).

    Thank you.

  4. Sarah Says:

    Hi, Wendy, I’m with your other commenters… this is real life and you’re a real person. It’s healthy and even desirable to put first things first, and while it’s hard being a small businesswoman, I’m very glad you’re able to prioritize the truly important stuff. Hope you don’t mind my sending a prayer up for your family. Take care of yourself!

  5. kellys Says:

    Wendy, I totally agree with everyone else. Sometimes, business and busyness take over and we somhow forget to laugh and cry with the ones who mean the most to us. We are so sorry to hear about your loss and we want you to know that we are praying for you and your family. I am speaking for just me but I bet I have a lot of agreement form others when I tell you hat I expect of you in the next week… ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! Relax, cry, and hold onto the ones you love this week. I was in your shoes not to many years ago and had to just tell my unforgiving boss to get over it. Your boss likes you alot more than mine did as I didn’t work for myself :) Looking forward to hearing that your family is doing well and is able to laugh again. Take care.

  6. Nola Says:

    Wendy, I just wanted to add my sorrowful condolences to you and your family! As everyone else has said to you already…you have to put yourself (and your family) first sometimes, and this is one of them. Those who truly know your dedication and work ethic will not falter and will understand.

  7. Kristie Tamsevicius Says:

    Wendy,

    Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. I am terribly sorry about your loss. Why not go “unplugged” for a week and just take care of yourself and the family.

    We’ll be thinking about you!

    Kristie T

  8. kelly Says:

    Best wishes to you and your family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Sometimes the balance has to be tipped so we can get our footing even more firmly. Thinking of you.

    Kelly

  9. Robyn Tippins Says:

    While I’m very, very sorry to hear of your family’s loss, I am glad you are taking a break. You need it :)

    Please let your husband know we are all praying for him. Losing your mom is heartbreaking (it really saddens me to know that one day my passing will break my kiddies’ hearts).

    We love you (ping me if you need a hand with anything friend).

  10. GoalGuru Says:

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Please let me know if I can help in any way.

    Jill :)

  11. Lucy Says:

    I - like the others - think you’re making the right choices here. You can only do what you can do, and family must come first.

    Look after yourselves - all of you - and we’ll look forward to hearing from you again when you’re up to it.

  12. TechZ Says:

    Somtimes you just need to step back and give everything a broad look to see where you stand and can best adjust, we usually get into things without looking too much into the long run (well, most of us), hopefully a short review of your Life, will give you the Balance you need to keep this place as good and exciting if not better than ever!

  13. Easton Ellsworth Says:

    My thoughts and prayers go to you and yours, Wendy. Take it easy, one day at a time, and we’ll all be waiting to read your coming posts.

  14. Tony D. Clark Says:

    Wendy – Balance is often the most difficult task to manage. I’ve been struggling with that one a little bit myself of late. Its sounds like you are doing a wonderful job of taking stock, making decisions, and doing what you need to. My belief is that compassion is doing what needs to be done. To me, you have that one nailed.

    My thoughts are with you and yours…

  15. Jamie Says:

    Wendy:

    I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s mother. Please take time out for your family and for yourself. That is the way it should be. You’re doing an awesome job. Don’t feel guilty for taking some time away from work and other responsibilities. I hope and pray that you find balance and that you and your family pull together and make it through the coming weeks stronger than ever. Hugs.

  16. Busy Mom Says:

    I am very sorry for your loss.

  17. katiebird Says:

    {{Wendy}} I’m so sorry, for the loss of your mother in law and all the other stress of the last couple of weeks.

    Please pace yourself through this period. And we’ll be here. The power of RSS means we’ll know whenever you want and we can be here in a flash. Really

  18. cjcm Says:

    Wendy, condolences to you and your family. We all have ups and down. We will be here waiting for you when you come back. Right here……

  19. Kuanyin Says:

    Thank Goddess, you’re human after all….I was beginning to wonder how you did it all! Just kidding! Sending you prayers for strength to have your alone time and time to grieve and time to be! We too are (in our home) experiencing loss of dear ones this past week, and so I empathize! You have already done so much for so many. Know that you are appreciated and loved! Blessings…Kuanyin

  20. Jackie Says:

    One day at a time. It may be a cliche, but it is borne out of truth and the experience of everyone who has journeyed through grief and the natural state of overwhelm that you and your family are going through right now. You, my dear, are clearly what my beloved grandmother called the “i-t, IT” of your family…the glue and connection that binds the hurt and overwhelm enough to help your loved ones heal and survive these losses. And healing happens in its own time and rhythm. Just keep taking care of yourself through all of this–and the pieces of whatever you fear are left hanging will fall right back into place. Hang in there.

  21. Kammie K. Says:

    Wendy~

    I am sorry for your loss. Look at what love has just come rolling your way? So many kind comments, isn’t the blogging community AWESOME!?

    Please know you are in my thoughts and DO take time for yourself…your readers LOVE you and love hearing you are human. People can relate to the human element (even tho I know we both think we’re superheroines!!), sometimes we gotta just step into what IS for the moment and walk thru it.

    It makes us stronger business people, women and bloggers.

    Be well and get some rest and family fuel!!

    xo,
    Kam

  22. Jayda Johnson Says:

    I was so sorry to hear about your Mom in Law.

    My Father in law has Cancer and doesn’t have much time left, it has been so devastating for us.

    Losing a loved one is the most difficult thing we ever have to go through.

    Sorry for your loss
    Jayda

Comment: