The following is a nugget of truth that was posted in a Executive Moms group about scheduling our time. The author, Jamee Tenzer, is a professional certified life and career coach for working mothers and women in the entertainment industry.
Have you ever had one of those weekends where you were just having too much fun? You attended three 8-year-old birthday parties, went to dinner with friends, cheered the Dodgers at a game and hosted a brunch with the extended family – only to wake up Monday morning thrilled at the thought of dragging yourself into the office, to REST. Sometimes we group our “fun activities” in such a way that we are having so much fun, we are too exhausted to enjoy any of it.
In fact, instead of celebrating our time together, we are running from one event to another, doing a quick change in the car between Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah, our Sound of Music matinee and Grandpa’s 80th birthday party. The kids are fighting, no one has managed to eat (even though everywhere we go is piled high with food,) and my husband and I would give our worldly possessions for the chance to take a nap. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Not so much fun as, let’s see, how would I describe it? Oh yes, a living hell!
So at the risk of sounding like the real mother I am – I refuse to over-schedule our family anymore. If we are buying tickets to a special event like a show or a baseball game, that’s it for that weekend and I make sure the kids appreciate that event for what it is. So many families don’t have the chance to go to a baseball game, spend the day at the beach or attend a nice party. I want my children to know (and give myself a chance to remember) how lucky we all are by helping us to slow down and enjoy each moment. Otherwise, these special opportunities are reduced to another item on the weekend to-do list – to be crossed off.
Realistically, we cannot always avoid over-scheduling. Some events will pop up, coincide and conflict with plans already made. But, with some forethought, it is possible to minimize the stressful fun and maximize the appreciation of a great life. You may not always be popular if you adopt my plan, but you will always get the opportunity to take a nap.
As a wife, mom to a teen & toddler twins and owning a business, this a good reminder to me about prioritizing my time. As parents we want the best for children and want to capitalize on all that we can provide them. However, in the midst of trying to be active and participate in so many events, we can miss out on spending true quality family time. Its important to enjoy the moment you are sharing with your family and try not to worry about what’s next. Feel free to comment and share some of your scheduling tips.
Joscelyn, Owner of Mami of Multiples & Mami Innovative Media
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Excellent post! I have been struggling the last few weeks to get myself organized and bring some sense of peace to my chaotic house.
Time management is very important and I am currently reading a book that has been helping me figure out what kind of schedule works best for me.
“Time Management from the Inside out.”
I really enjoy it and it’s helped me realize some of my own issues with overscheduling and how I personally have created my own chaos. –I’m a perfectionist that thrives in chaotic situations, so I create them. Haha No pun in intended, concerning the chaotic twins..;)
I really suggest people find some free time, to sit down and reflect on the reasons behind why we are over scheduling ourselves. The reasons might surprise you! 🙂
Great reminder. I’m always multi-tasking and I need to slow down.