It made me think. I don’t hear this often, or at all.
I don’t say it to others and of course should.
I like many live with doubt and worry that I’m doing a good job. I have periods that I think that I am a shit mum and I am failing at everything.
Spending my time racing to school, home, childcare, shops and doing jobs around the house and not to mention blogging.
It is like we are running ourselves ragged and only stop for a few seconds to breathe and then be on the constant go again.
If your a mum it is tough…
You might have a full time job, parents to care for, kids that need your attention, the housework, your partner needs attention too and then what about you?
Everyone of you are doing a fabulous and amazing job.
I would like to encourage you to make another mum’s day and to tell them that they are doing a great job too.
Tell a mum/mom today what a fabulous job they are doing!
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Do you feel that you are racing around just to get everything done? Does it always seem like a mad rush?
Well if you can say YES to this I hear you.
I have felt like this for a while now that I am running around trying to get everything done and not really get much done at all.
Taking time for you and to enjoy your own company is great. I love the silence and peace that this gives me. When I get to do it. Image found on Pinterest.
Things that have been done:
Kids cared for
Kids taken and picked up from school
After school activities organised, paid for and driven kids to and from them
Cared for baby
Shopped for food and essentials at supermarket
Got birthday present for my mother in law
Washed clothes and now trying to fold and put them away
Cleaned kids room about million times. No point with this one as in seconds it is back to the destruction it was in before it was tidied up
Cook dinners for everyone
Pack lunches for kids
Check the mailbox for important mail (mainly checking for birthday presents to arrive, oh and a wedding anniversary gift)
Make sure that all excursions have been paid for and notes signed
I know there is more to add to this list but some things are a blur so I might have forgotten something important.
Just relax and breathe in good vibes….. and breathe out bad vibes! Image found on Pinterest
Racing around in the window of time that I have to myself never seems to get everything done. I did try and tidy up the bathroom in-between hanging clothes on the line. However I had to have the baby in the garden with me so was keeping an eye on him while doing some jobs.
When I get some time for me to just sit in silence and not race around I feel a little on edge. I think this is due to being on the go all the time and the constant activity and noise of now three kids. Sometimes it takes a while to just chill out, relax and just be.
I currently have a very sore neck and shoulders; It is rather painful. I tend to hold all my annoyance and stress in my shoulders, jaw and neck. I have tried massage, hot showers and the chiropractor. Maybe I need all three? Or a nice Queensland holiday that allows me to be on the beach, sleep in and rest might be just what is needed.
How do you try and relax?
I try and watch some of my favourtie television shows or go for a walk on my own. Yes walking all by myself without kids is great (I need to wait till a weekend to do this as hubby needs to mind the kids). I also like to take myself off to a cafe for brunch or maybe to the movies to watch a film that I have wanted to see.
The Child Development Institute has a great list to help parents manage their stress. Why not check out some ideas that might help you next time or now if you are needing some relaxation time.
Taking the time to relax is very important. It is good for your health and of course relationships.
Do you find it takes more time to relax than it used to? I truly believe due to being constantly on the go it takes the body more time to rest and de-stress. What about you?
I know it is hard but I do think we need to cut back on things and activities. I would just love to come home after school pick up and just be. I have also tried to make things a bit easier for me by doing some organising the night before. This means less stress in the morning and an easier start to the day. How do you make things easier for you when you are extremely busy?
Yep although I have my worries and annoyances, I have so many blessings that I am very grateful for. Image found on Pinterest.
I have been daydreaming about being on holiday. Yesterday it was made worse with a Getaway special about a cruise that you can do in France. It looked divine, amazing and just so relaxing.
Although I loved what the Getaway Special were selling me, I was getting rather depressed about the whole thing. I cannot go to France. I have three kids. I don’t have the money and also hubby does not have the time off work! So the longer I watched this show the more annoyed I got. Therefore I turned it off to busy myself with other things, like cleaning the house for my mum to visit (cleaning the bathroom ended up giving my left leg a HUGE bruise and it really hurts!)
I know….the idea of holidaying in France compared to housework and I had to do housework. Oh well, maybe I will be the chick in the commercial one day soon. You will see me swanning around a chic French eatery and looking calm and sooo relaxed. Just you wait!
A Paris Cafe. I can see myself having a bite to eat or just having a relaxing drink and watch the world go by.
I see specials for holidays everywhere; Television advertisements, discount deals to fly around the world that are emailed to me, flyers in the local newspaper for great holiday deals and also when I’m at the shops. I cannot seem to escape the idea of drooling over a holiday. I have been thinking that it is the universe telling me I need to have a break, just chill and have a holiday. I wish the universe could pay for it though.
A European vacation where I’m touring Spain, Italy or France is a great thought. However a Queensland or Fiji adventure would be lovely also. Even a quick getaway up or down the New South Wales Coast or a trip to Melbourne. I’m not fussy.
Another idea is maybe exploring Tuscany.. doesn’t this look amazing!
Actually anywhere at the moment that means that I am looked after, I don’t have to cook or clean is brilliant in my book…oh and if they have a kids club and babysitting is available would be advantageous as well.
Maybe it is the fact that I have had my third child that I am constantly daydreaming about being on holiday and having a break? Or is it due to the fact that kids are now again on school holidays and I wish we were all somewhere with a beach and I had a nice cocktail in my hand.
Yes I would rather be in a warm climate, in my swimmers on the beach and just relaxing. Pity this cannot be at the moment.
Hubby did ask me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him a relaxing holiday on the beach somewhere. I’m not fussy. Just somewhere other than home. A break is needed. However this was met with I don’t think we can do that. I did say, “You did ask me what I wanted”
I have also fantasied about being at a health retreat all on my own…. Yes a whole holiday just for me! How amazing would that be! My health retreat holiday would consist of the following:
Great healthy food provided
Wonderful drinks provided
Yoga
Swimming
Massages
Facial/Manicure/Pedicures and any other wonderful beauty treatment
I can sleep in on some days
Watch my own television
Do my own thing, not worry about others, and have some time for me!
I have never been to a health retreat so if you have let me know what you got up to. I am only daydreaming about what I could do while there.
This would be me at the health retreat. Yes not actually me but you get the idea. Me relaxing and having a much needed massage!
My down time actually is finally having a hot cup of coffee and a snack and drinking the coffee when it is still hot. Many parents will know the perils of making a hot drink and then drinking it when it is cold or having to chuck it out and start all over again.
Finally getting a hot cup of coffee. Also managed to get some work done too!
Maybe there is a takeaway here:
A weekend away here and there will be just as good. Now to just book them in and get organised. As said it does not matter where I go, just as long as it is a break. Time out for everyone is a good thing. It helps recharge your batteries and makes you have a happier outlook.
Are you bombarded by things that you cannot have right now? Is it the dream holiday? Is it something else that keeps on popping up in your email or in the mail? Let us know.
Do you sometimes feel like packing it in. No point. No one is listening, reading or paying any attention. I do. I have had many moments where I have just wanted to step back and to stop for a bit. However I have invested so much into my work and what I am building. My blog, my ideas and future products that I would love to develop.
Yes always creating and dreaming. Although like everyone self doubt and life sometimes make things difficult to keep on going. Does this happen to you?
Keep going even if you want to quit. You will get there!
This post is for all of you that are thinking of calling it quits.
Don’t!
Keep on going.
Things will happen. It might not be the millions of dollars you would like to earn, or the dream job that you would love to get. However what you are doing will lead you to the next great thing. If you are working at your craft or blog at home it is a skill that you can use to leverage to the next step.
Make things happen yourself.
It is also your outlet.
Without an outlet to express yourself and just be you, it is hard to be happy. Everyone needs something that they feel happy doing. A hobby, a passion an outlet to just be you!
If you are like me a SAHM (Stay at home mum) having an outlet and something for me is needed. I cannot give it up.
It is mine and you never know where your passion might take you. Keep going! You are great and don’t listen to others comments. Just keep plodding along.
Just give things a go. If you try something you might be good at it and it will all work out. You never know until you try!
What is your passion? Do you have a blog? Are you secretly writing a book? Do you make clothes or do you paint?
Have you had moments where you thought it is all pointless but you have kept on going? Let us know.
In 2015 I have decided to make things easier on me. Yes you heard that right, I am looking at solutions to give me more time and to stop some of the stress that goes with these tasks. Task number one is food shopping with kids. I can hear the sighs and ahhaa’s while I am writing this. I did do a couple of home deliveries last year but swore to keep it up and it did not happen.
Now we are in a new year I have just had my first home delivery of food products, and also a nice bottle of gin for my occasional refreshing mummy beverage. I was not worried about kids while shopping as I did it all from the convenience of my home.
Shopping trolleys will be a thing of the past with online shopping
I did not have to get changed or have a shower to go shopping. The best part of it was that the kids were not distracting me, from what I went to the shops for in the first place. I could focus on the task and get what I needed rather than every 2mins or less tell a child to stop creatively dancing in the aisle, or to get out of someone’s way, or that whatever they ask for it is going to be a NO!
Plus the other one that I keep on repeating, “Stop touching that, touching is not looking. You look with your eyes not your hands!” I am sure I am not the only one that has found the relaxing way to shop is online and it has definitely made me want more of this serenity while doing the food shop.
I would in all seriousness go clothes shopping than get the weekly shop for the house. Ladies I am sure I am not alone on this!
To go to the shops I would have to put two kids in the car, get them out, be a stressed out mummy while at the shops, get kids and shopping in car, get home, get kids and shopping out of car, and finally put shopping away but not before giving the kids something to do to allow me to get it all done. The kids do help with items that they can carry and help put away but once it gets a bit hard, I am on my own.
One thing that I noticed once I did the online shop, I thought that since I had ordered it they were in my kitchen. Yes very silly. However I had mentally gone to the shops but not yet received the product. Have you done this before? Or is it just me? Maybe I need more sleep?
Do you shop online for your groceries? Do you find it makes life easier and less stressful? I do, and I will be making sure the rest of the year I do more online orders. Spending hours at the shops for food when you could be doing other things is no brainer. I do understand that you might need to go to get the odd item and that is fine, but for big shops it is the way to go!
Next Post: My 2nd installment about our Maritime Museum Adventure
Do you sometimes think you are not being a good parent. I do. I sometimes stop and think I am not fun, being terrible and so on. However for the most part I think I am doing an awesome job. Everyone has moments in their work life or any role that they doubt what they are doing or have done. The below quotes are great to help you have the pick me up you need. It will inspire you and give you an injection of ideas as a parent.
These parenting quotes will inspire you to be an amazing parent & to stop doubting yourself. You are doing an amazing job!
On Monday the 1st of December I got the Christmas tree and all the decorations ready to put up with the kids. However this did not happen due to a missing foot on the base. I had 3 of them but needed the 4th. If I did not have this last bit the tree falls over due to the weight of the top of the tree. Not good at all!
I could not find it and of course did not know where to start looking. I looked where we normally put the tree up in the living room to see if it was under something. No not there! I looked in the shed where the box for the Christmas tree lived before I got it that afternoon. No not there, although the shed is a mess and it might be there and not seen yet.
So I had two angry and upset kids who were very much looking forward to putting up the Christmas tree. I explained that I was very sorry and I have done my best to find this missing piece for the tree. I had some bad behaviour from one girl and she was sent to her room for some time out.
I told both girls that I will sort out the issue of the tree and we will find something.
Yesterday I managed to find a Christmas tree at Vinnies and it was only $5! Yes how amazing. Other tress that were from the shops were going for nearly $100. I did not want to spend that much and could not afford to on a tree.
So now kids are super happy and we have a Christmas tree. I still want to find the missing part of the other tree, but now I am glad that I have a replacement, kids are happy and I can find it when I can.
After they saw the tree they were so excited! I got cuddles, kisses and a lot of thanks. I hope this nice behaviour lasts. It was so nice to do this and I was very thankful that I was able to and found something.
Have you managed to create a bit of magic at your place lately? I think it was magical that this happened. I was in the right place at the right time to get the tree we needed. I have made the kids super happy and this will make Christmas extra special for the kids.
“The best way to make children good is to make them happy” Oscar Wilde
Both girls have been telling everyone about our new Christmas tree. They are even asking if Santa will notice the new tree when he visits.
Having the excitement of the Christmas tree I realised that it is the small things and being present that really count. Being with your child and sharing the little moments are what is important. I try and do this and don’t worry about the housework or other things that will take me away from the kids. If I am here with them, I am being with them.
I have had about 3 or more weeks fighting a bad cold, to then get very bad hay fever. I am over the feeling unwell and sneezing and I do feel zapped of energy and motivation. However in my messy house currently I am hoping to do some things for me. Due to being unwell, I have felt rather down and depressed. Silly but not unreasonable given the circumstances.
I am hoping to create some of my own sunshine to allow me to shine and feel good and happy. A bit of me time for my projects will allow this. Now to go and clean the dining room table to get stuck into my project. Image found on Pinterest.
I am hoping to get some sewing done to cheer me up. I am planning on doing some skirts for the girls, a skirt for me and pajama pants for myself as well. (yes something for myself). However this project for me and of course the kids has not happened due to trying to get some housework done. By the time I whiz about and do the odd jobs I never get time for my things. Do you find this happens? I especially need a pick me up now due to being a bit out of sorts.
Don’t worry I am on the mend and hope all is getting better, however I am still sniffling due to hay fever I think and hope the cold is well and truly gone!
It is not grey hair, it is sparkles in your hair.
The other day Julia was looking at my hair. She must have spied a grey hair. I don’t have many and only about two, but loved what Julia called them. She said that they were sparkles in my hair. I would rather have sparkles than grey hair and thought that this is a nicer way of describing grey hair. So all of you that have grey hair, you have sparkles in your hair.
This made me smile and of course is another lovely thought to add to the sunshine in my day. It has also reminded me it is time to dye my hair again due to more sparkles appearing. Yes I would like to avoid sparkles for a bit longer if I can.
Stop worrying about your stresses and focus on your blessings.
Lately I have been thinking about the troubles and stresses in my life and not looking at all that is good. I am very blessed and lucky for what I have. I need to stop worrying and just be. Do you do this as well? I know I DO!
What do you do to let more sunshine into your day? Do you meditate, relax, have a chat with mates, have some quiet time, sit in the garden, have flowers to look at, or do a bit of your favourite hobby? Maybe reading a good book is just what the doctor ordered?
Let us know what you do and maybe others will be inspired as well. Send in your comments.
Do you have great bursts of creativity? I do. I also find myself having great lulls. Yes a creative dead zone does happen and can be hard to snap out of. How do you snap out of dead zone..??? What do you do? The below list has some great tips to keep the creativity happening.
My one big thing that I need to do is to WRITE DOWN MY GREAT IDEAS! Yes I never remember them or only part of it. You would have thought I would have learnt by now! What do you do that is annoying and you know you shouldn’t?
29 Tips to stay creative. Image found on Pinterest.
Another good tip on this list is to get away from the computer and technology. Time out in nature or a change of scenery is always helpful, it works for me. This makes me see things in a different light or from a different perspective. Talking to others and meeting new people is helpful for this also.
Send in your tips that help you maintain your creativity. We can all benefit from what works for you.
The other day I purchased a quick pick in the Powerball. It was at about 25 million if you won or something like that. I purchased it due to it being such a big win and I felt lucky that day. Also it has to be won by someone so why not let it be me. I know there is a lot of others in it also but you never know right? One day it has to be me!
I waited a day or so and went back to the newsagency to get the ticket scanned to see if I won anything. I did not think so, but best check just in case. I would hate to throw out a winning ticket.
I am sure I would be a success being a millionaire. What about you? Image from Pinterest.
When I handed my ticket to the man behind the counter I mentioned, I was not sure if it was a winning ticket and was just checking. I did mumble to him that I did not think so. He scanned it and before he got the words,”No it isn’t a winning ticket” out of his mouth, he had ripped it up and put it in the bin.
It was a bit of a shock that it was that quick to kill my dream of winning millions in a blink of an eye. On the walk to the newsagents I still had my fantasy of winning big, but deep down knew it might not be so.
I mentioned it to hubby and he said at least you know it was not a winning ticket if he ripped it up. Yes that is right. I am happy the man at the newsagents is not secretly keeping it to himself.
I think it is a nice idea to have a little hope. That hope is going into lotto, competitions and all sorts of luck games. You never know what might happen if you do. You might win and get an amazing prize and experience.
What do you enter to keep some hope/fun/fantasy alive? Is it the lotto? Let us know. As said someone has to win it. If you are not entered to win, you will never have a chance. Send in your comments.
What are you passionate about? Is it photography, your blog, craft, cooking or something else? I am passionate about my blog, my kids, family, and some other projects that I am working on. Maybe I should have put the kids and family first, they do come first but you know what I mean, it is a list. So don’t read anything into it.
Have you been finding time for your passions? I have found it difficult of late but I am going to make more time for the things I love. Do you make time and stick to it? Is it an understanding in your house that if mummy/daddy does not get to do what ever you love to do you are a grumpy person? I do find that I am happier when I get to do the thing or project that I am working towards. Even a little bit is a help to make me feel good or better about my project.
Do what you are passionate about and stick with it. Image found on Pinterest.
It is hard to book things in when hubby and my schedule change so often. Today I am going to make sure to get some more done for me and in the days ahead to book time for myself. What about you? Let us know how you work it out with your partner or situation.
Loved this quote from bloggingontheside.com. It is so true. You have moments where you get discouraged or give up or want to. Success is not something that instantly happens you get there in the end and it takes time.
Keep plodding away and you will get there in the end. Make time for you, even if it is an hour a day at something that you love doing. Don’t worry if the place is a mess and there are a million and one things to do. If you don’t get some time for you and your passion you will be an angry and unhappy person. Trust me, I have been a bit grumpy of late for these reasons.
And remember you are a star!
You’re a star and have a lovely day! Image found on Pinterest.
How true is this! Keep believing and keep the dream! Image from Pinterest.
Do you have wonderful day dreams? I do and I have some that are playing non stop and that I am working to achieve. Lately I have felt like quitting the blog, but I have stuck with it. I am sure that you have had moments where you doubt yourself. Having these thoughts are all normal and something I know others have gone through as well.
So I’m dusting myself off from the negative talk and doubts and soldiering on to build my dream.
I don’t want to think of something that might be, rather I would like to give it a go and see what will happen.
I love dreaming and dreams help build the future. Image found on Pinterest.
Have you been close to quitting something? Did you hang in there? Is your dream now a success?
Let us know what happened? Did your dreams become a reality? Are you happy about your decision to continue with your dream or did you decide to move on and do something else? Send in your comments.
Do you ever have times where things get on top of you? The housework, kids, life and everything else! Currently I have a lot of things to do and don’t know where to start. I am seeing issues and problems everywhere I look, sit or even lie down there are problems! Due to looking at all the problems it is causing me to get angry and more stressed about the situation. Not good is it? No not at all.
Deep breath! AHHHH focusing on your breathing does help make you feel better. Oh and a camomile tea is needed!
Camomile Tea to make everything all right! Image courtesy of patpitchaya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I have so many dreams and things I wish to achieve but feel weighed down in the mundane and don’t get a lot done. Today’s wisdom is to focus on my dreams rather than being fixated on my problems. I will aim to work through one issue at a time and be calmer in the process. Harder said than done but this is my aim.
Be led by your dreams. Yes I need to think more like this! Image from Pinterest.
Do you see things that need doing and feel overwhelmed by it all? I know this happens to me. I will try and do one room at a time, and this in turn will give me more clarity to achieve my dreams.
I hope this has inspired you to follow your dreams and not let your problems overshadow your day and focus. Okay, now off to tidy up so that I can then live my dreams.
The other day one of my girls asked what fog was again. I replied saying, “It is low lying cloud” Both girls said, Oh yes that’s right it is cloud. We forgot!
Foggy Day in the Blue Mountains
One of the girls then said the following:
“That fog is lazy mummy! It does not want to go into the sky and would rather be on the ground! Lazy Fog!”
Maybe she is right? Fog could be the lazy clouds that want to lie about and do nothing? The clouds that are in the sky are achievers and go getters? Maybe the clouds that are fog are just taking a well deserved break? Everyone needs time out don’t you think? This announcement that their is lazy fog made us all giggle and laugh for a while. It was a very funny moment.
Have you had moments that you have looked at things differently? The child who told me about the lazy clouds asked if she was right. I did not have the heart to tell her that her theory might not be 100% and thought it was a clever way to explain it.
What has changed your thinking or view on things? Was it something your little ones said? Or your partner/friends. Let us know.
Today is the start of our new section, “Wednesday Wisdom“. It is a chance to learn from an inspirational quote, saying or image to boost your spirits and make you feel good!
Use the talents you possess. Great inspiring quote. Image from sarahndipities.blogspot.com.au.
Don’t just let the super talented do things. If you have a talent keep going and practicing. You only get better if you keep trying. I sing even though I cannot really sing, but it makes me feel good. Sing and embrace fun and just be you! Or if you would rather paint then paint, do what makes you happy!
Happy Wednesday everyone! What is your wisdom for today? Send in some if you like.
