Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Albert Einstein
Intellectually, I knew my life needed a change years ago, and it has been a journey! I used to think that once someone became a mother, “that’s it! Your life is over. You don’t have time for anything else.” I am the one who planted those beliefs and have had to dig them up by the roots and throw them away….
I would hear so many mothers talk about how they did not have time for themselves, and honestly, it should not and does not have to be that way. I know some single mothers who managed to earn a college degree or further their career and still raise their children. I know because I was raised by a single mother. Who says that a mother cannot continue to develop her gifts and talents and enjoy doing things for herself and taking time out to replenish her soul?
Two great quotes by Henry Ford will empower you if you let them:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
― Henry Ford
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
― Henry Ford
In the past, I tried different techniques to help keep me accountable. I tried printing out and posting a schedule I made out using Cozi Family Organizer http://www.cozi.com/. I know the schedule by heart because I have also written it down multiple times, as well. It’s great to use reminders. I realized, though, that my beliefs needed to be dealt with and challenged.
I can honestly say that a recent vacation helped me to clear my head and truly think about things that are truly important to me. I love my family, and I love myself, too. I concluded that:
1. I am the one in charge of my life….my mother would always tell me that and even today, she finds a way to squeeze the reminder in our conversations.
2. Everything does not have to be done today. I need to prioritize and plan for tomorrow…hopefully, I will see another day.
3. My health-physical, mental, emotion, and spiritual, is important as is everyone else.
4. I need to be organized-I function better and able to make the most use of my time. If tasks have a day and time to be completed, then I tend to use my time more efficiently, and many times within the past week, I realize how much free time I have when I am organized.
5. It is better for me to focus on one task at a time until its completion. It’s okay to multitask and know when it is beneficial to multitask and when it is not. I always encourage my students to focus on what needs to be done now or has a timeline. If you have two projects, and one is due in November, and the other in January, don’t delay. Plan to complete the November task, especially if multitasking is not working.
6. It is important to make a to-do list and cross off as I go. Be consistent with scheduled activities, and I will be more efficient.
7. I do not label myself or generalize my actions. I do not like labels, and I believe people will think and act according to their label and get stuck.
8. I make time for the things I have an interest in (cooking and trying out new recipes, listening to music and being more proficient at playing the piano and guitar, sew, paint, make pottery, candles, and lip gloss/lipstick. Things will not get done unless I make them a priority. Continue to develop/explore me.
9. I have to live with the consequences of my behavior, and my consequences can directly or indirectly effect others… My days go a lot better when I have made time for myself.
10. I do not take myself too seriously. Continue to laugh!!
