Maintaining balance in life
Maintaining balance in life is never easy. Awkward children, tired husband, house insurance due for renewal, school photos to be ordered, my head is swimming with information. Still writing my novel, now at 37000 words. So much I need to expand on, but getting my thoughts straight to write it is hard. I know I need to get my first draft written.
I’ve started writing my time travel timeline on wallpaper. I’m realising there is so much to writing an exciting, interesting novel. I’ve been advised that because I’m writing Science Fiction, I need to read more Science Fiction.
How do writers fit in all the reading and research alongside family life? I’ve purchased a notebook to write down ideas whilst I’m out and about. I’ve been advised as well to try and make my novel humorous, but I am not Douglas Adams. Would be nice to believe though that I could be as funny.
So what else is happening? Last week I was involved in a car accident. Was not to bad but scary enough. The children were upset but are now pleased with their new car seats and the hire car while it is being repaired. I have gone from a 2010 Citroen C3 Picasso to a new black BMW. The children have already managed to set of its alarm. My son touched it and it started screaming at him. I’ve never driven a car with an alarm before.
Despite the car being shiny and new though, I want my old diesel back. If I was to buy a new car tomorrow it would not be a BMW. I was stationary at the time of the accident. I hid in the hedge as she passed and scraped my car. Due to having a dashcam the insurance company has the evidence that I was not at fault. It might have just paid for itself. I would honestly recommend buying one. The footage shows that I’m doing 0mph as she hits me. The kids make it more dramatic by crying, we were all in shock but none of us were hurt.
So now trying to focus on what I need to do. I’m tired and just want to sleep. Maybe after a lay in tomorrow, I will feel more recharged. Maybe the children will leave me long enough to sleep in. Tomorrow as well as everything else I need to do, I need to help the kids with their homework.
I still need to make a decision on the house insurance, it really is not as simple as compare the market or confused.com or even money supermarket. Not as simple as just pick the cheapest. All policies cover different things. Different excesses, different levels of cover. My head hurts trying to decide. I have pages of notes and have spent a lot of time on the phone. I am a great over thinker!
Does anyone else worry about the amount of time you spend with a mobile phone to your ear? I fear that I’m frying my brain. If I put the phone on speaker I find that the person I’m talking to can not always hear me very well. I think I need to attach some headphones to my mobile phone.
Another week left of school and work and then we have another holiday. I’m looking forward to time at home with the kids however they are hard work. The balance of time with the children and their stress and time away from work stress. I’m planning now for the week coming, a trip to the town, we have library books to return.
Yes, the pile of library books that we took out a few weeks back have still to go back. The wonders of being able to renew them online. My son chose most of them and he has maybe read three out of about twelve books. I borrowed a Dean Koontz novel and have not read it, life keeps getting in the way and I need to read Science Fiction.
So, what next? I need to be more focused, balancing work and life is never going to be easy. The children are demanding and I need to spend quality time with them too as well as Daddy.
How can a healthy balance be achieved? Maybe I need to start doing Tai Chi every morning. However, that would just add to an already hectic schedule.
For a working, writing mum with young children, managing a busy household. The demands of balancing everything feels heavy sometimes. The importance of just being you and making time for you! It is crucial to find the necessary time to recharge and refuel.
So, how do you manage to balance everything? Does life feel hectic and often stressful for you as well? I appreciate a lay-in and time alone under the duvet. May sound selfish but I really need it. If I could smuggle coffee and chocolate inside as well I would. This morning, being my day off, I wanted to return to bed after the school run. However, I had to much to do and had to accept delivery of the BMW and say goodbye to my car for a few days.
The joys of life and it’s stresses and challenges. The challenge of maintaining a healthy balance.
for more see, Twelve ideas for mum to help relieve stress
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14 Comments
debrapurdykong
Glad that you or your children weren’t hurt in the accident. I was rear-ended once while waiting at a stoplight. My son was ten at the time and the impact shattered our back window, but he handled it well. I’ve been through the work/writing/kids balance act, and it certainly isn’t easy. I found that just focusing on one day at a time helped. I became too overwhelmed whenever I thought about the week’s chores, writing, errands, etc.But one day at a time, I could manage. I still live that way, although my children are grown. Of course, now I have my mom’s illness to take up my time, and I’m much older than I was with young kids about. I nap a lot more now. Big fan of sleep to get me through challenges. Good luck!
Just muddling through life
Thankyou Debra, that’s good advice.. a day at a time. Being rear ended at a stop light sounds scary.. The back window shattering must have made a massive noise. Glad you were all ok!
lindasschaub
I don’t know how you do it Marian – I can’t keep up with work and blogging and walking and it is just me. Glad the accident was not more serious and happily you get the repair done as you can prove it was not your fault in the least.
Just muddling through life
Thanks Linda! Yes so much to do. Constantly busy!
arv!
Happy to hear that you are all safe and sound despite accident. So what made you to choose BMW if your preference is still C3?
Just muddling through life
Thankyou! The hire company did not have any C3 Picasso, It was either the BMW or a Ford Kuga. The BMW is smaller so that is what I got..
arv!
Ok!
fancypaperblog
Wow, look after yourselves- thankfully no one was hurt but it would have after effects on you like tiredness from shock. Don’t sweat small stuff library books will be returned and all will be well. Breathe!
Just muddling through life
Thankyou Orla, my head is racing!
josypheen
Eep! I am glad you are okay, and that you had the dash-cam to show you were not at fault! Did the other driver try to suggest you were at fault? That would be pretty cheeky if they did!!
Just muddling through life
Thanks Josy, yes the other driver is claiming that I’m at fault, despite the dashcam. The joys of having a car accident. I got my car back today, I’m very impatient, I drove to the repair garage and collected it, so that’s that bit of the drama over. Was not keen on the BMW.
josypheen
I guess once you’re used to a car, it feels safer eh!? Well, I am glad it all worked out okay in the end!!
Just muddling through life
Oh yes definately! Thanks Josy!
Gloria
Marian, it ain’t easy. And it really is hard to get the balance right. I feel that something somewhere always gets ignored but that’s the way it is no matter what. Sometimes I’m up to speed with most things, and then other times I’m all over the place. Then I cry. Then the next day is good. And so the cycle begins again! Then when accidents happen, certain things just don’t seem that important anymore. You’re doing well at 37,000 words. Keep at it because every word is that bit closer to the finish.