Finding balance in blogging has taken me a very long time. Blogging has brought so many wonderful things into my life (yourself included). I feel blessed. It does however, take up quite a bit of my time. You can imagine that as a mother of a 3 year-old and a 1 year-old, I don’t have that much time to spare.
I am telling you this because I was forced to make some changes. A wonderful man in my life, Unknown Papi, complained that things just were not working out for him. He was sick of seeing my face stuck in a computer.
Oh, I put up a fight and argued that I get no time to myself and I’m making some money blogging, so why do I have to justify the time I spend blogging when I don’t have to justify the time I spend working outside the home? He listened and tried not to roll his eyes, but bottom line he said, “This is not working!”
I needed to find balance.
I love him, so I have to listen because if something that is bothering him actually gets to the point that he brings it up, then it is a BIG DEAL. He lets a lot of things go.
So what am I supposed to do? Give up something that I love to do?
No. Balance is what is needed.
We came to a compromise. We decided that we would treat it like a job. A job I happen to LOVE. Now, I get up and blog without interruptions in the morning before he leaves for work and then I’m done for the day. I might get a little more time during naps or after the kids go to bed, but I don’t expect to get that time.
And you know what? I’m actually a lot more productive and everyone is much happier. I feel like I get a block of time to “work” and I prioritize that time because it is limited, instead of trying to steal moments throughout the day. And the family feels like I focus on them more the rest of the time.
Sometimes when you lose a fight, you win.
Are you good at creating a balance in your life? Any tips to share?
And now your Friday Fortune Cookie
(don’t forget to add “in bed” at the end, if you are so inclined):
Find your balance and you’ll find your bliss.
Hosted by Mrs. 4444
You always know exactly what to say!! Thank you!
Well, thank you. That’s awfully nice of you to say.
I understand your dilemma – I work outside the home, so my blogging time is in the evening, which does take away from family time. I’ve tried to be conscience of my time online, but it’s hard. Glad you found a solution.
I think what happens is that time morphs when you are on the computer. You think you are going to be on for 30 minutes and two hours later you look up and think, there is no WAY two hours just passed.
This doesn’t just happen with blogging. I’ve known a few who dive so deep into work their family becomes a faded memory. I got burned out on work once myself. One problem today breaking free of the many tentacles holding us to the social media outlets. I don’t have a smartphone and I know from your pictures that you probably do. You might also consider limiting your social media access to just the laptop. Apps can be removed. great post
The same thing happened to me, except not really. I used to have access to a free computer lab where I would go and spend literally all day. Now I only have one (maybe two if I use my husband’s library card as well) 45-minute blocks of computer time at the public library. I’ve found that the limitation forces me to trim the fat and be more productive.
I think that whenever you set aside a block of time you do become more productive. Wishing you the best of skill in finding that balance.
We work real hard to Act Balanced…We took a different tract with me helping with the blogging a bit more. G
I’m horrible at balance. When I only had myself to take care of, I was lonely but everything was easy. The only balance I’ve found is to take things one day at a time. If it doesn’t get done, I have say “Oh well.”
I agree balance is hard to find but it’s not impossible. I also treat this like a job where the support from my husband has helped me keep on track and has even driven him to be a part of it!
I am struggling with balance too. Happy you’ve found it 😀
When I was in the US recently, I had a house to stay in that did not have internet. At first, I was going crazy. Gradually I found time to get some order and balance. I hope that I continue along that path now that I am home.
great post…balanace is good!
Lovely post, UM! And great poster!
Went through the exact same thing at one point and I too took stock, prioritized and let happiness in again. I find getting up early in the morning helps me get more done. But on weekdays when Sury and Vidur leave at 8 am for work/school, I have to use that time to cook and pack their lunches. I do savor that time, though, to reflect and think as I go about my stuff – as my time is my own after both leave – until Vidur returns at 3. So 9 am to 2 pm is a huge bonus to tackle my writing work and stuff related to my second job. I find that meal planning ahead, and making lists are both my best friends. 😀
I always struggle with this. I sneak moments here and there during the day, but my real work doesn’t usually begin until the kids are asleep. Some days are less balanced than others, though!
I think this is why I am welcoming a puppy into my life. (I can’t even believe I’m saying that–I don’t even like dogs that much, do I?!) I know that having a puppy will require a change in focus, and I’m good with that.
I’m glad you’re not going anywhere–I would miss you 🙂 I love that U.P. is obviously a “balance” guy, too and didn’t say “It’s me OR the computer!” I love that guy 🙂
Good for you! Life is about balance.
I agree that balance is required as well. Since I retired just recently and D H was already retired we had to learn to share both the computer as well as the household chores. We now have times together as well as apart.
Good for you for listening and caring what your husband says and feels and for finding something that makes it work. This summer I am trying to just play and be there all morning and then when my youngest naps I let my oldest two watch a show or they can play- and that is my time for blogging. I am trying to limit it to then so I can just enjoy life but yea I definitely sneak it in at times.
it def takes some balance…and i have had a few of those convos when i get out of balance…i do get some good time in the morning though if i get my chores done…smiles.
Good for you! I’ve found balance by including Wayne in my blogging… he’s starting to do reviews for me and writing posts that fit better on AB than his blog… with his help the blog is working better…
My husband also complains about my time on the computer. So I try to type when he’s asleep. He goes to bed much earlier than I do so this tends to work out for the most part.
Your words struck home. I recently quit my job to find time for family, exercise and my own blog. I am also more productive now and here less of the “Mommy is on her computer AGAIN” than i used to. Good for you!
Great post! I see what you’re saying here. I so can relate to it all. I’ve always thought blogging and carrying out other blog related tasks can be incredibly time consuming!
that’s why i only post twice a week…just need to know some time saving tips, and finding balance is the key (i so agree with you)…treating blogging as a “job” we love sounds brilliant!
thank you my friend for a wonderful post.
big hugs!
Have to say this hit home for me. It’s not an issue with my husband or the fact of little ones to watch but I will get up and be here at 7am. Besides some breaks along the way to maybe shower and take the dog out I am still her at 7pm. My house has suffered over the last three years. Since, as you know, I have had to take time to clean my house I realized that I felt so much more accomplished in myself that I too must find a compromize and get out an live a little more!
I get it and I totally understand. It would be really easy for me if time allowed to always be on because there is always something else to read and I can never quite catch up, but balance is far more important and makes the time I am on far more rewarding and productive.
Too good not to pin!
You are a very smart lady to listen and make adjustments. That’s what makes GREAT marriages. I hope you are able to find the blogging balance that will keep your home happy AND allow you to still blog.
I think this fight is going on in my bloggers households….. our viejos are OVER IT!