Never Enough Time
We all feel that way on occasion. That there aren’t enough hours in a day to accomplish the things we desire. But sometimes this truth is more than something I just casually notice. Sometimes it’s like an actual weight on my shoulders. I think it feels that way when I start to add up how many days in a row I’ve gone without being able to do everything I had set out to do.
*Redesign blog design site - incomplete 15 days and counting
*Clean my bedroom - incomplete 6 days and counting
*Disinfect the bathroom - incomplete 5 days and counting
*Take the donations down to our church storehouse - incomplete 6 weeks and counting
*Reorganize hall closet - Incomplete 3 weeks and counting
You get the idea. I make my mind up that these things need doing. Then I tell myself that I’m going to get them done today. So when my ambitious projects fall through due to whatever else it is that came up (namely I’m picking up the living and dining room all day long EVERY SINGLE DAY and after that I just don’t want to do anything else), I feel like I’ve failed somehow. That I should have been better at managing my time, or had more energy or…whatever.
But I think I just realized tonight that:
1. Other things took priority that day, so why should I feel like a failure for not completing something that was obviously of secondary importance to me?
2. Starting into the should syndrome is just another way of adding to the already unrealistically lofty expectations I have for myself.
3. Maybe I should look at the things I did do and try to find a sense of accomplishment there.
Kids are all alive - check, read 10 new library books with kids all in one sitting - check, Had kids brush their teeth before bed - check, (WOW, now that is an accomplishment).
The only reason I ever feel like a failure is because I choose too. It’s me vs. my ideals and frankly, I’ll never win there. But that shouldn’t be what I’m focusing on. Can I be frustrated that there just isn’t enough time in each day and that I haven’t gotten around to that big project yet? Sure momentarily, but then I need to get over it because ruminating over what I haven’t done, doesn’t accomplish anything either.
EDWARD YOUR A HAMSOME GUY ALL IM ASKING IS FOR BELLA TO HAVE THE BABY AND PUT...
I generally never have enough time to do enough nothing. I could do nothing all day.
But I did like this one:
3. Maybe I should look at the things I did do and try to find a sense of accomplishment there.
And it is always good if I get to the end of the day and everyone is still alive…!
dapoppinss last blog post..I dream of projects
How about counting those things as ‘partially complete’ instead?
I feel the same way myself though.
Mrs. Organics last blog post..Why it looks like a bag of cotton balls threw up in here
Great reminder. I used to have one day a week where I’d tackle one of those bigger items and ignore everything else. I had a list where I’d keep track of those things, and whenever I added something to the bottom, I stopped worrying about it, because I knew that eventually it would get done.
I need to do that again so I can stop flogging myself for all those things left undone!
Annettes last blog post..I Heart Finland
I’ve had this same realization and it can be truly life changing. Now whenever I feel overwhelmed or discouraged I start a Done List. It includes everything from completed household chores (Tidied Living Room x 17) to (Did not yet all kids x 38). Such a huge help.
You ARE DOING the most important things. You’re the best!
I had a life-changing realization the other day. If I add up the minutes I need to care for/love the children like I want, have the house clean like I want, connect with people the way I want, accomplish my own little dreams and hobbies, and sleep, it adds up to several days.
There are NOT enough hours in a day to do all the things I want. That’s not just cliche; it’s fact. So I have to focus everyday on what I want to accomplish the most. I feel like the biggest failure if I haven’t cared for/loved my children the way I should. The laundry/bathrooms/messes are always there the next day. The children won’t be in my house forever.
Natalies last blog post..She is Mistaken
I just read Elder Uchtdorf’s talk last night and this is what he was talking about - us being to critical of ourselves. You’re doing what you have to do and it is perfect. Your kids will remember the time spent reading the stories-not that the closet in unorganized. Keep it up and smile!
Amanda Ds last blog post..Free Class!!!
I’ve recently been stewing over the same topic- your words of wisdom were very welcome. Thank you.
Jennys last blog post..Pushups and Toddler Adventures
I needed this reminder.
An Ordinary Moms last blog post..Reasons To Celebrate
Wow, do I ever relate to this one!
“Kids are all alive - check, read 10 new library books with kids all in one sitting - check, Had kids brush their teeth before bed…”
Thanks for the change in perspective — I’m not a failure, I just need to modify my to-do list!
Childlifes last blog post..¿Cómo Usted Dice A La Bailarina Loca En Español?