What should they know about me? This is the question I keep asking as I’m sitting here trying to write an introductory post about myself. What should they know? Here I am staring at my computer screen trying to come up with something clever or interesting to say, but I keep glancing back at my disheveled living room that looks like a tornado just blew through. That “tornado” would be my lovely daughter Nora. And this seems to be the story of my life lately; a long list of to do’s with an energetic toddler and a messy living room vying for my attention.
When Shannon and I decided to start this blog I knew it was a big commitment and I knew that it would cause me to have to reprioritize and examine my schedule, but I wasn’t quite prepared for the pull I would feel between playing with my daughter and getting my to do list accomplished. I wish I could say that my daughter always wins in this battle, but I often find myself more focused on the tasks at hand than her. I’ve been a stay at home mom since she was born, so this struggle is new to me as I try and figure out what it looks like to be a mommy and complete all of my work-related commitments. It definitely gives me a great appreciation for working mommas who deal with this on a consistent basis and to a much great degree than I do.
While it has been difficult to find a balance, I’ve found much joy from being a momma and working on this blog. It is nice to have something that allows me a sense of accomplishment away from strictly being a mommy. At first I felt guilty for saying this, like it was against the unwritten mom code. But I quickly discovered that it was OK to feel that way. It in no way invalidates how much I love being a mom or how much I love my daughter. I’ve discovered that I can do both, and that they can both be fulfilling in different ways.
So what should you know about me? I’m a woman who struggles to keep her priorities straight. A wife who loves her husband dearly, a mom who takes great delight in her daughter, and a blogger and a work at home momma who’s trying to figure this whole thing out. Simply put, I’m a work in progress.
Can any of you mommas relate to the struggle to find balance and being a work in progress?
I totally relate! In fact, the post on Quad City this morning really spoke to me b/c I work and do the blog and have the toddler hanging on my leg … I love getting it all done and having my hand in lots of pots, but how do you know when to let something go (which I am not good at) and just be? So hard!
So glad to hear I’m not alone in this Ashley!
You are a beautiful, kind work in progress! I’m so happy to have met you! 🙂
Thank you Kathleen! I’m so glad to have met you too!