Pulling weeds

Yes, it has been forever! Life really got a hold of me these past few months. Between writing millions of papers, family responsibilities, and waves of sadness and doubt, I felt the need to retract.

I have been hard on myself, pushing all limits that even I knew should not have been pushed. I disregarded my needs and drained the soil almost completely. Luckily, there is always spring, and with it a chance to renew, re-evaluate and prioritize.


I have let go of external pressures to be “the perfect mother” or “the perfect wife” or “the 4.0 student”, I know that much. But at what point are the demands I put on myself interfering with my ability to do what makes me happy without neglecting those I love?

Even further, I don’t want to settle for “not neglecting” my family, because that implies merely getting basic needs met, which is by no means the intention here.

Criticism comes from every direction but when it comes from within,
it becomes embedded in people’s minds like a weed’s root clinging to the soil.

Letting go of “what will others say?” is a huge step into maturing one’s individuality; however, breaking negative thinking patterns that sometimes consume the way you view and compare yourself to others, may be the toughest challenge of all!

If negativity is a weed, bring on the gardening tools, because I am ready to pull them out!

Thanks for reading!
Beijos
allypye (glad to be back, by the way:)

Balancing Life with Kids - PART 1

Cone Flower- photographed by me this weekend

It all began with a routine trip to the library. Eager to leave the house, we jumped in the mini van and headed downtown for a relaxing couple of hours of reading and learning

...Or so I thought...

The kids were cranky; the 12 year old vanished in the teen room the second we arrived, while the 6 year old pouted about wanting to go in the teen area, and the 3 year old decided it was a good idea to sneak up two flights of stairs for a game of hide and seek.
Soon after, they were all accounted for and taken to the appropriate location in the library (that being the children's room, what a concept!!) There's crying, pouting and eye rolling (may I add that at this point everyone in the library is engaging in the rolling of the eyes, as they watch the spectacle!!), not to mention us walking out with at least 20 items (I forgot the canvas bag at home) and setting off the security system!!! Back in we go, with the crying, pouting, rolling of the eyes reaching record levels... I just wanted to sit right there and cry.

How do other mothers do this?

That was all I could think about that day. I felt exhausted, overwhelmed, defeated and inadequate. And this was not the first time!
In my mind, I am adding to this catastrophe of a trip the following: 6 loads of laundry in the basement, bills to pay, movies to return, groceries to buy, dinner to make, art projects to plan, and much, much more!
The truth is that balancing life with kids is something that everyone struggles with, and I found that perhaps sharing valuable tips with others isn't such a bad idea. I asked a couple of moms (these are moms you look at and go, "wow, she really knows what she is doing") to share their wealth of knowledge in making life work.
It was important for me to gather info that could be modified to different family set-ups and lifestyles: husband or no husband, full time stay-at-home or full time job. It is my hope that whoever reads this will be able to gain something or add something to the conversation.
Throughout this week we will discuss Meal Planning and Shopping, Housework and Organizing, and Time to be YOU. Though it may sound meaningless and too "domestic" of a talk for some, life's chores and obligations are said to be the cause of most couple's sense of unhappiness and overall sense of burden in Americans. So why not share ideas?

Thanks to Beth and Lisa, who will be featured in this series for the next three days. Your help is appreciated and the love you share with your family through your dedication is inspiring!

Thanks for reading, hope to have you stop by again tomorrow:)


beijos


allypye