As 2018 fastly approaches, I can’t help but think about what it will have in store for our family, as well as our business. I often find myself looking to the future and wondering what’s next? In a culture that moves 100 miles an hour, I often feel like I’m hanging on by a thread. The daily grind of work, family, marriage and keeping a somewhat respectably clean home wears on me.
As many to-do lists and late nights I endure, I still can’t seem to accomplish everything I want to that day. Lately, I have let this consume me. The mommy and wife guilt have crept into my mind and attempted to take over. Feeling overwhelmed is one of my greatest weaknesses in business. I am lucky to have a business partner (my husband) that thrives on the hustle and bustle of our crazy days. He keeps me calm and helps me to tackle each obstacle in its level of importance.
Having our first child has really opened my eyes to just how important this is. I have a new motive behind each and everything that I do. I’m not sure if you have ever worked alongside a working mother in business, but BOY can we work fast in 8 hours. It would be safe to say that my productivity level has doubled since becoming a mom. The hours I have with my baby girl are more precious to me than any amount of money or beautiful homes that Brad and I can create. From 8-4PM Monday through Friday, I am in “Kaitlyn work mode.” From 4-10PM, I am in “mommy mode” and soaking in each and every minute with Rae and Brad. Finding balance in this seems to get easier and easier each week.
It wasn’t until the other day that it finally clicked for me. My desire to have the perfect home, family and business just wasn’t achievable. My home, my family, my marriage…it was all perfect in its “perfectly imperfect” way. God has blessed me with FAR more than I could have ever imagined and it’s time for me to find grace in this.
My typical “New Year Goals” are focused around work and health. This year I don’t want to set goals, I want to focus on each day as it comes. I want to simplify my life so that I can have more room in it for adventures with my hubby, snuggles with our baby girl and unexpected beauty in ordinary things.
Here’s to your 2018, may it be your best year yet. What do you do to find balance in your busy life? I’d love to hear your advice and stories – as us mommies are all in this together!
**Photos by the very talented, Hoffman House Photography & Design