Do You Need a Mom-Life Overhaul?

CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP

People often ask me how I do it all–homeschool, chores, blog, read books, the whole shebang.  I’m a planner by necessity, but admittedly challenged in the area of time management.

I could, without much guilt, read all day long and easily ignore the amassing heap of (clean) laundry on our living room couch until a kid inevitably goes missing underneath it (not that that’s happened before).  Except–I live with five other humans and am primarily responsible for the survival and education of four of them.

Thankfully, the Internet offers no shortage of help for women like me, who just need a good system to keep the machine that is my life running smoothly.

I’ve spent a number of years attempting to live out a life scheduled within an inch of itself.  The hope was that, if I just kept running on the hamster wheel a bit longer, I would eventually find the formula to a happier, more successful life.  I would be happy.

My marriage would be happy.

My kids would be happy.

Happy, happy, happy.

I came to the conclusion that, if I wanted to have it all, I would have to learn to juggle it all.

I ignored the sense of dread that crept into my Sunday evenings.  I disregarded my Friday night fatigue, charging it to the game of motherhood and chiding myself for my lack of energy.  My weekend note to self was always “eat more veggies” or “get more exercise” or something to that effect.

IT’S OKAY TO STEP OFF THE HAMSTER WHEEL

In my homeschool, I stacked activity on top of assignment on top of field trip on top of book report because my kids needed a well-rounded, rigorous education.  Of course my kids would complain–they hate school anyway.  Why should homeschooling be any different?

My motto became just. keep. swimming.

In my meal planning, I obsessed over each and every meal rather than relying on “tried and trues.”  I tried to account for differing tastes, allergies, and impending boredom.  I adjusted carbs and rotated vegetables until my head hurt.

NO FREAKING WONDER I procrastinated so often on this task.  It took me an hour or more to plan for each week the way I used to do it.  BLEH.

In my personal life, I scheduled hours of grueling at-home workouts every week.

Is it any wonder I could never get past three consecutive days in a routine?

 By the way--this post is not sponsored. I purchased this book on my own and did not receive any compensation for this review. This post contains affiliate links. 

FOMO?

Deep down, I wondered how some of my counterparts stayed so busy, yet seemed to thrive when I was barely able to remember my own name, even on six hours of sleep and two daily cups of coffee.

I felt like I was missing out on something in my life.

There came a point when I felt that my efforts would not ever be enough.

I felt like I was working SO hard with barely anything to show for it.  And I wondered–what about my dreams?  Where did they fit?

Being the podcast junkie that I am, it was only a matter of time until I found out about a book called Divine Time Management from this podcast featuring the author, Elizabeth Grace Saunders (a time management coach).

Jackpot.

JUST ANOTHER BOOK ON TIME MANAGEMENT?

What I thought would be just another time management resource actually [broke my brain and] showed me how to re-align my priorities according to God’s unique design for my life.

Instead of hard-charging toward goals I created based on what I thought my family and life should look like, I was challenged to lean into the way that God has created me.

I began to understand that I could take my family’s personality and rhythms into account when planning activities.

I learned that it doesn’t necessarily please God when I give myself away until I have nothing left for anyone.  His yoke is easy.  His burden is light.

Rest is not only okay;  it’s what He desires for me.

Personally, I was surprised to find that the book goes way deeper than just scheduling.  There are eight chapters, contained by three sections on trusting God, loving your true self, and living in alignment with God by nurturing your most important relationships.

If you need a little (or even more than a little) realignment, Divine Time Management is a handy tool to help you clear your lens and make the necessary adjustments to your life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Divine Time Management is a hearty, timely read for the:

• ultra-busy person on “autopilot” who is looking for deeper meaning and connection in life
• burned-out perfectionist who is tired of working harder and still spinning his/her wheels
• believer who longs for more quality time with God.

Divine Time Management would serve well as a book club read with your closest friends, or with your Bible study or small group.  You can download a PDF group study guide for free on the website www.divinetimebook.com.

I’m totally going to read it again, but more slowly this time so I can journal through each chapter.

Do you need to get realigned?  Let’s chat below in the comments!