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Which brings us to the topic of today’s podcast: The Work, Life, Homeschool Balance Myth. {If you’re listening online, scroll to the bottom of the post to find the audio player. }
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The Myth of Balance
Balance. What is it anyway? You might be surprised (I know I was) to learn that balance has to do with an equality of passions. As Webster’s 1828 tells us, “As balance signifies equal weight, or equality, it is by custom used for the weight or sum necessary to make two unequal weights or sums equal; that which is necessary to bring them to a balance or equipoise. ”
And now we know why balance is a myth.
There is no way we can ascribe equality to the moving pieces of our lives, especially when we are talking about our children. Why do moms agonize over going back to work, taking time for themselves, or even taking a weekend away with their spouse. I think it’s because as moms, we are always balancing the needs of our family against every other need.
So, you guessed it — there’s always a certain amount of imbalance.
This also means that the other things vying for importance, will become “most important” at certain times and not at others. The struggle is real! And it’s OKAY.
Tips to Keep Things Moving
So, what’s a girl to do? Well, first let’s keep things moving. This means evaluating our priorities. ( Listen to the previous podcasts, Developing a Wholehearted Business Mindset or Recovering from Burnout).
Once we have our priorities outlined, they deserve the attention that systems and processes in your business along with a doable schedule at home can provide.
Some ideas to outline your priorities in this way include:
- keeping a simple schedule
- asking for help from your spouse and older children or even grandparents
- scheduling your time in three blocks – work time, school time, family time
- organize your homeschool, home, life, and business
Eyes on the Prize
In the end, it’s helpful to keep our eyes on the prize. Why are we trying to do all.the.things anyway? What’s our goal? Why do we want a business, ministry, or work at home career?
If by your providing additional income to your family helps you to stay home with your children, and that’s one of your goals, remind yourself of that very thing.
This helps you count all the chaos as blessing.
The truth is, yes, we are sometimes checking our phones with kids in tow while dropping our oldest off at Japanese lessons. But, we’re doing this in the middle of the day, around our own schedules, accommodating the needs of our family. That freedom is priceless.
And learning to, not balance anything, but give priority to the things that we’re called to do, is a beautiful thing.
Action Step:
This week, make a list of all of the reasons you are thankful for the chaos that is working at home.
Bible Verses to Help You Gain “Balance”-
Matthew 6:33-34 // But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Proverbs 11:2 // A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.
Philippians 4:8 // Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Isaiah 41:13 // For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Colossians 3:17 // And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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