This week’s writer Wednesday is showing up late, and I am so sorry. In my house school has been done for my three children since last week. I have a daughter who is graduating high school and two 8th graders in my home every day now.
Honestly, I don’t know why no one ever told me that parenting a tween, teen, and young adult all at the same time is a lot more exhausting than when they were a baby, toddler, and grade schooler. Since it’s summer break, and they are almost grown, I find myself spending the day reminding them that we need to take care of responsibilities, too, and not just lounge around the pool all day, or go shopping and hang out with our friends everyday just because it’s summer. They have errands to run now, too, and I guess I need to find a way to incorporate that into my everyday living.
I also plan on taking summer college courses; and with college those summer course are basically 16-week classes stuffed into an 8-week time frame. I’m really praying I can get through this without failing a class, or two!
So, in our house even though it’s summer I plan to keep some sort of routine going on because if I don’t then I won’t ever get any writing done, or this house will turn into a huge mess! As my kids were growing up I tried to make my days as structured as possible, and I focused a lot on the failures instead of the success of the days or the week. But as they get older I’m realizing that a structured life requires flexibility and paying extra attention to what works.
As of right now I am really working on doing that in regards to my personal blog, and I plan on changing what I write about on a regular basis. But I’m also focusing on structure and routine, which is why I am writing the writer Wednesday at the end of the day rather than skipping it altogether.
As a family we have goals; and I have personal goals that include writing goals. The older I get I am also realizing the importance of being a creator of the life that you want. No matter what happens life will always go on, and the world will continue to orbit the sun; and God will still be God and we will still be human. Life is going to keep on going whether we find the structure, discipline, and the determination to stick to our goals or to achieve the dreams we have set forth, or not.
For me, the best way to do this is to maintain structure through all seasons of life so that I can create a space in order to do what I love which includes writing.
A few things I’ve realized about this process of finding structure is that:
- I need to declutter. It’s so difficult to find structure when you are trying to manage and maintain several different things your life. When we declutter we create space in our time to do what we love and to achieve our goals.
- I need to celebrate the successes. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t achieve on my to-do list I need to focus on what I did achieve. For example, since my kids have been out of school we have eaten dinner at home three nights in a row and that is helping me to achieve a goal that is very important to me. Celebrating this success has helped to put this way of life into perspective.
- I need to pray a lot, and stop worrying. This has been a lesson that has taken a very long time in my life to learn. I remember last summer lighting struck our house, and praise God nothing was damaged outside of some outlets. But it was a moment that reminded me how vulnerable I am in this life. I remember in that season very specifically worrying about a lot of things outside the home harming us but never really considering that my safe place, my home, could also be affected in a negative way. I remember going to bed that night thinking about how thankful I was for my bed and I couldn’t even imagine what it would have been like if the house had caught on fire. It made me realize that worrying doesn’t always help me move forward, and sometimes it just holds me back; but even in worrying what bad events can I truly prevent from happening? In this process of establishing structure I need to remember to do my best and pray about the rest.
Writing is so important, and I hope that you value this and the importance of structure and space to create your blogging masterpieces!
How do you establish structure and create space to write? Oh, and remember to link up your blog post and books at the end of this post!
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Late to the party, but glad to have made it! I’m also in the season of life in which my schedule is really an offshoot of my kids’ schedules. Pretty chaotic at times, but I appreciate this reminder that some good planning and plenty of prayer will help to clear a path for some writing time.
Oh, Heather – that must have been so, so scary! I’m with you – I need to pray more, worry less and celebrate the small victories.
I wholeheartedly agree with all three of your suggestions! Cultivating a heart of thankfulness can help a lot too– and I sure would have been thankful for my bed too right after that awful brush with lightening. We had a bad storm a few years back and came home to find the power dimming on and off and the electric meter box hanging off the back of the house due to a close brush with a downed tree! As for establishing structure and space to write– it’s eluded me for years, but I’m finally whipping myself into shape this summer and just doing it– consistency is the key ♥ Thanks for taking time to host us especially in this busy season 🙂 God bless!
Love your suggestions!! Decluttering is such a great step for every area of life! You go girl, going back to school!! I pray you doing amazing!!!
I can relate to several of the things you shared! A schedule does help so much… and decluttering interferes w/ that and needs to happen early. Also the needs of older children has amazed me… they love to talk w/ me and that is such a blessing, but they love to do it in the evening…. late… when I want to sleep. sigh. I felt exhausted running after toddlers and figured as they get older, it gets easier… but then there is keeping track of all of the various work schedules, meals, needs, etc. I love my family and this wonderful time of life we are in, but I am seeing that I need to work on structuring my time better so that my time doesn’t just get absorbed, but is well-used. 🙂
I appreciate the reminder to celebrate successes. A good form of gratitude.
Tardy for the party, but stopping by from SITS Girls and glad to have found your blog! These are really great tips! I also need to pray more and celebrate even the small things!!
I love your article. It is so important to declutter to keep my mind clear. There is something about my house being messy that sends my brain into a whirlwind. It doesn’t have to be immaculate but uncluttered from piles – come to think of it, I’m going to go pick up right now!!!!! 😉
Excellent ideas and tips. I especially like the idea you share, “a structured life requires flexibility and paying extra attention to what works.” That’s how I wrote my spiritual woman’s self care journal, “Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.”
Just found you from Fresh Market Friday. Thanks for the tips!
I need to declutter. We are in the process of moving and I do not think I will be able to move forward with anything until I do! Great advice!
#MMBH
I think many of us could go by yours words in the sense that we are too worried about the little things around us. I know with a recent move, my house has been somewhat of a mess, but as I donate and sell my unwanted things to declutter my home and blogging space, I feel less stressed and overwhelmed, and with that I get up early in the morning before anyone else but the cat is up to have my cup (or two) of coffee, and I sit down to crochet or work on my blog in peace and quiet. Crocheting relaxes me and helps me to have a good day so I always sit down and make time for it.
I also like to blog about other craft adventures and my trips/traveling even if it’s going down the street. Thanks so much for sharing this link up! I found you via the Nifty Thrifty Sunday Party hosted by Nifty Thrifty Things, and I enjoyed reading this post, and visiting with some others. Best Wishes! Enjoy your Summer 🙂
Alexandra
EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com
I’m working on decluttering. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party @DearCreatives
Yes to celebrating the victories, praying more and worrying less! Visiting from Holly’s place.
I enjoyed reading your post above. What a busy life you have, may the Lord give you wisdom as you work through the summer.
Your post will be featured on the Blogger’s Pit Stop on Friday
Kathleen
I’m currently in the process of trying to structure my space differently and organize my house and files for more efficient writing. I definitely am praying for the wisdom and strength to get this done.
One more thing. I love your link party. This is my first time here. I wish I had time to visit all the posts today, but I will be back to share more of these posts when I finish what i’m writing on deadline for tomorrow. Thank you for hosting a party where I am actually eager to visit all the posts.
Your tips are always wonderful and I appreciate you sharing them. I came across this a while back and I immediately thought of it when I read #3. “Today is the tomorrow that worried you yesterday. All is well”.
Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope your week is going great.
My default is to turn to worry and I tel people I get it honestly from my mom. However, the amount of time we lose when we turn to worry is immense. Your ideas in the process of finding structure are spot on. Thank you for your insight today.
I remember those busy days and summers with kids at home. The strange thing is mine are all grown, but with grandchildren in and out and trying to do things to build relationships with them (while they still want to), I find I have to create space for writing, too. In my case, I try to guard my mornings. It doesn’t always work out, but that’s my goal.
Thanks for linking up on Mondays @ Soul Survival. Have a great week-end!
This was the top viewed link at Mommy Moments last week and will be featured in the link up tomorrow. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us and be a part of our community. Have a blessed weekend!
Faith