People tell me that I’m busy…but aren’t we all busy? I don’t know that I meet many people that say, “well, I don’t do a whole lot…I just sit around and count the minutes.” No, I hang out with people that are always on the go, but I notice that people tell me often how I always have a lot going on and they aren’t sure how I do all that I do. It made me start to think about all the irons I have in the fire…I teach (part time), coach competitive cheerleading, I’m a mom, I’m a wife (although sometimes I think I’m not so good at this job…Bless Mike’s heart), I monogram, I bead (weird obsessive hobby), I took on gifted certification, and then a few other small things pop up here or there. That’s not too much, right? Is that really that much more than other people?! Because, honestly, I used to work out and I’d like for that to be added back to my routine too.
So, if I’m trying to do too much, and my body is possibly having ill side effects because I am too busy (not totally sure that’s the reason my heart stopped or that I have tumors, but I’m grasping at straws here and willing to reflect on any aspect of my life to improve upon my health), then what gets dropped?
Teaching? I’ve always enjoyed teaching. I love that I can be a part of a high school students life and try to make math a little less painful for them. Let’s not forget to mention that I teach part time! How do the moms do it that teach full time?! Here I am complaining about being busy, and I’m there half the time of others!
Coaching? I adore coaching and watching them push themselves to achieve more than they ever thought they could. Watching them work so hard, perform amazingly well and then bring home a W is so fun and good for my soul!
Parenting? Come on…have you seen my boys? Do you think I’m going to want to miss out on anything with them? Heck no! They are so fun and loving that I don’t want to miss one class party…ever!
Wifing? I kinda like my husband…we’re a good team…I don’t see me getting rid of him. That whole vow thing we did in front of Father Tom, God, our friends and family…kinda important. Plus, I think it’s good for us to carve out time for us- we are not good at this- carving that time out for a date night happens once every never, BUT we WANT to…that counts for something, right?!
Monogramming? It’s so fun! It makes me so happy when I can make something for me, my house, my kids, my family, my friends. If I can pick up a few extra dollars on the side for helping someone else, then yay! I’m getting to be creative and make pretty, personalized things!
Beading? I’m pretty sure I won’t want to make 800 bracelets for my entire life, but for now it’s such a fun, creative outlet for me. It’s my therapy! Plus, I love when I can make a set of bracelets for a friend and they love it as much as I do.
Gifted Certification? Ok, yes, this I could drop. I can’t say that I’m over the moon excited about it, BUT I am excited that I can get this accomplished, reach more kids in the classroom and become better at teaching! AND this course is temporary. One year of doing this, and then I’m done with it forever.
So what gives? What do I get rid of? I like being busy. It’s the only way I know to live. Am I killing myself (literally and figuratively) because I’m burning the candle at both ends? Would my health improve if I dropped something? What do I drop? I’m hoping on this little work break I can get some much needed healing and clarity and God can help guide me where I need to be. I want to be the best version of me possible! I know that health comes first, but my happiness is a part of my health.
I so get this, Ashley. You’re a mom that does “all the things”. Me too. People ask me the same :bake cakes? write a book? Teach? mom? wife? Adulting in general? It’s what we want out of life. It gives me great pleasure to be creative. I will tell you what gives for me….The not so important things like housework-ugh and yard work-it’s minimal, like I keep stuff alive. If your plate is full, just make sure everything on it is worth it-to YOU. You do amazing work with kids, are a terrific mom, and I bet Mike counts his blessings every day. Battle on, girl. We are all rooting for you!
You’ve hit the nail on the head! How did life get so crazy busy for all of us? I find myself missing the simplicity of life like actually having the time to catch up with a friend or neighbor instead of saying, “we need to get together ” I think there are many of us that can totally understand where you are coming from! I feel confident that as you reflect and seek God’s guidance He will make it clear to you. The hard part will be trusting and letting go. Miss your sweet face! Hugs!
Love love love that last line! It is so true and hits home with me. Thank you for being real and sharing. You are such an inspiration and I will continue to keep you in my prayers!