Finding Balance Between Home, Business, and Kids: Lessons from My Summer

The transition from summer to fall often brings a sense of change and renewal. It's a time to reflect on the months that have passed and to set intentions for the future.

As I look back on my summer, I can't help but think about the whirlwind of activities, emotions, and lessons it brought. This summer marked my first experience as a business owner while being at home with kids, and it was a journey filled with valuable insights, most notably, the importance of finding balance.

July arrived with playdates, a memorable trip to celebrate our 15th anniversary, and summer camps for the kids. It seemed like I had everything under control.

However, as July turned into August, I found myself in a constant state of busyness. Another getaway, wedding season commitments, and the challenge of all of us getting sick added to the chaos. I was on the verge of exhaustion and increasingly frustrated.

One of the most significant frustrations I encountered was seamlessly switching from work commitments to family life. With the kids at home, family commitments consumed most of my time. I needed more windows to focus on my work. It was a constant juggling act that often left me feeling like I couldn't give my best to either aspect of my life.

During this hectic time, I had a constant internal struggle. On one hand, I longed to hibernate, to take a break from it all. On the other hand, I felt guilty for not being in full bloom and not giving my best to my business and family. During this period, I remembered a study about redwood trees injected with adrenaline-like chemicals, expecting them to skip hibernation. Tragically, these trees withered away within a year because they didn't have the chance to rest and rejuvenate. Even though I didn't think I did, I took on more than I realized. I compared my progress to others and felt guilty for taking breaks or days off. 

My experience served as a wake-up call, prompting me to reevaluate my approach to balancing home, health, business, and kids. Here are some key lessons I learned:

• Prioritize Self-Care EVERY DAY: Just like the redwood trees needed time to rest, I needed moments of respite. I learned that self-care is not indulgent; it's essential. Even a few minutes of solitude and reflection daily can make a difference.
• Time Management: I discovered that effective time management is not just about calendars and schedules; it's about being fully present during the time you allocate to different aspects of your life—quality over quantity.
• Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries for work and family time was crucial for me. Communicating these boundaries to my loved ones allows me to maintain balance.
• Finding My Flow: I could align my daily routine with my values and passions by focusing on tasks and activities that brought me joy and fulfillment. Work didn't feel like a burden when it was something I loved.

Embracing the Fall Season:

I plan to incorporate more of these lessons into my daily life as I go into the fall season. With its changing colours and cooler days, fall offers us a chance to embrace change and renewal. Remember that maintaining balance is an ongoing journey, and adjusting and adapting as needed is okay.

I'm also excited to share that I'm getting my creative juices flowing again, and that's something I'm looking forward to diving back into. Stay tuned for more creative endeavor's this fall.