On the surface, my life might appear to be picture-perfect. I’m happily married, I have three wonderful kids, a fulfilling job that permits me to work from home, engaging hobbies, good health, a cozy home, supportive friends, and an active community. Oh, and we also home-school. When I list it all out, it sounds rather impressive.
When people inquire about my secret to managing it all, I often stifle a laugh and respond, “I don’t.” This isn’t false humility; I genuinely find the concept of balance to be unrealistic, especially when children are involved.
The idea that all aspects of my life could seamlessly align is almost comical. Sure, I strive to keep things running relatively smoothly, but as any parent knows, “smooth” can often feel like a bumpy ride. Whether you’re a working parent, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, life is busy and full.
Instead of aiming for balance, I prefer to think of my life as a juggling act. There’s constant motion, shifting focus from one task to another, and the balls are always in the air—sometimes precariously so. I juggle nine primary aspects of my life: my marriage, parenting, home-schooling, career, hobbies, health, home maintenance, friendships, and community engagement. Each one is significant to me in its own way, and even my hobbies, which might seem trivial, are crucial for self-care. Dropping that particular ball can impact everything else.
And drop them, I do. It feels like balls are constantly hitting the ground. I’ve made choices that have led to this full life, but none of these elements can be easily discarded. Neglecting my health, for example, would hinder my ability to manage everything else. If I stopped home-schooling, I’d just be juggling a different educational model, which wouldn’t necessarily alleviate the pressure. My marriage and children are non-negotiables, just as my work is both necessary and rewarding. The home often takes a backseat, but a tidy space certainly makes juggling more manageable. While community involvement can sometimes slip, I value it, particularly as a lesson for my children. I also allow my friendships to suffer at times, but I refuse to let them fall away completely, as they provide the energy I need to keep juggling.
So, there you have it. On any given day, one or more of those balls might hit the floor. But here’s the kicker: I discovered that the world record for juggling nine balls is just 55 seconds. That’s right; even a professional juggler can’t maintain that many balls in the air for long.
If you find yourself frequently dropping balls in your life, remember—this is a common experience for parents. It’s even more intricate than I’ve described. Each additional child alters the dynamics of your juggling act, as do new relationships, work commitments, and community activities. Constant adjustments are part of the game.
The key is to appreciate the skill involved in juggling rather than striving for flawless execution. Even pros don’t juggle perfectly all the time. Do your best to keep everything in the air, but accept that some will inevitably fall. Just pick them back up, and aim to extend your time before the next drop. And if you manage to juggle for more than 55 seconds, you’re already doing better than the experts. Keep going, Mamas!
For more insights into at-home conception, check out this post on artificial insemination kits here. If you’re considering this journey, this resource offers valuable perspectives. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
In the realm of parenting, the idea of balance is often unattainable. Life resembles a juggling act, with various responsibilities constantly vying for attention. Acknowledging that dropping balls is part of the process empowers parents to embrace the chaos and enjoy the performance of life.