Are you a mom who has dreams but very little time to work on them? Me too.
I carve out space here and there, wondering if the day will ever come when I will have more time.
I know someday I will miss the dirty socks thrown across the living room floor and the dishes piled high threatening to crash to the ground below because of the massive pile up…HaHa. Yeah, right!
I know my days are numbered when I will no longer sit through little league baseball games, the junior high dramas, and the nights of ensuring all the homework gets done.
My littles are not so little anymore. The eldest is fifteen and the youngest is eleven.
I’d love to write to you now that I have it all figured out.
I’d love to tell you that I keep all the balls in the air and don’t even coming close to dropping one.
I’d love to write that my dreams are progressing and my family life is amazing.
But I can’t.
But do you know what I can write?
That along the way I have realized that my family is more important than any dream I could chase.
Remembering the time I have with them makes me shut my laptop, put down my phone, and focus on who is right in front of me.
I used to drive myself crazy thinking I had to be everywhere at one time. I needed to network and post “X” times a week on my blog. I needed to have something scheduled every day of the week on social media.
And then I realized I had it all wrong.
I didn’t need to do any of those things to be seen or known. God knows my dreams and my name. And when the time is right HE will open the doors…or not. Either way, I will choose to see the blessings and not ignore the little ones He has entrusted to my care.
For me, balance is knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no” and trusting God when I feel like I’m moving two steps back, not forward.
Balance is trusting that the dreams, even though they may take longer than I hoped, will come true.
I could easily spend all my time online. I love meeting new people. I love reading other people’s words and sharing them with others, and I love writing. I could become obsessed with the validation I get from being online…because we all know as a mom you get very little!
I want my kids to see me working hard toward my goals, but even more than that, I want them to see me being present in their everyday lives.
And if that means I work a little here and a little there, and my pace takes on that of the tortoise and not the hare, then I’m okay with that.
So, yeah, I can’t write that I have motherhood and dream chasing all figured out and down to a T, but I can say that I don’t worry about it any more.
“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices.” (Source Unknown)
Shared by: Alecia Simersky
Laura Rath says
May 25, 2016 at 5:57 amAlecia,
Love, love, love! Your words are just what I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. God determines the time and the way for our dreams, but doesn’t want us to rush ahead and miss out on where we are right now. It seems like just day-to-day stuff that gets tiring, but I think it’s all part of His plan…because everything is.
Blessings,
Laura
Alecia says
May 25, 2016 at 11:30 amThank you, Laura! It took me a long time to get this point where I knew I needed to focus on what was in front of me and trust God with my dreams. I believe ALL the stuff we deal with day to day is preparing us. Especially the menial everyday stuff. Have a GREAT day!!
Linda Stoll says
May 25, 2016 at 8:07 amI can promise you that those days you long for will come, where there’ll be peace and space and freedom. Really!
But til then, I love the boundaries that you’ve created and the lessons you’ve learned, Alecia. I’m thankful that there was no internet / blogging when my kids were young. It would have been a mess for me, for sure.
Thanks for this thoughtful piece, friend …
Alecia says
May 25, 2016 at 11:32 amThanks for being here, Linda! I feel like one big contradiction…while I long for the time to focus on my goals, I also know it means my kids will be grown and gone. 🙁
Tiffany Parry says
May 25, 2016 at 8:59 amI’m right here with you, Alecia. I’m breaking down those self-imposed boundaries and letting God set the pace. I used to get caught in all the “rules” but I’m finding so much more joy in resting in God’s freedom and grace. He is good.
Alecia says
May 25, 2016 at 11:34 amYes! So much rest and freedom when we stop striving and let God set the pace. Thanks for being here, Tiffany!
Kristin Hill Taylor says
May 25, 2016 at 9:24 amYes, yes, yes, friend. Love this so much because I’m right there with you. xoxo
Alecia says
May 25, 2016 at 11:36 amYes, you are! You have 3 littles that need you and I can imagine it’s hard to squeeze in time for writing. They grow up so fast and I don’t want to look back and wish I had done things differently. Have a great day, Kristin!
Ashley Fields says
May 25, 2016 at 9:47 amI am not a mom (unless furbabies count) but almost all of my friends are so I read this with them in mind. Wonderful, wonderful post. You are an amazing, gifted person Alecia!
Alecia says
May 25, 2016 at 11:40 amThank you, Ashley!! Your comment put a big smile on my face. 🙂 And yes, Fur babies count 😉 They can be just as demanding as children! I hope you are doing well, and have a wonderful day!!!
Becky says
May 25, 2016 at 1:33 pmSuch a timely reminder for me today! This struggle for balance is so real (and hard). I am working it out and walking it out daily. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone and reminding me whose timeline matters 🙂
Alecia says
May 26, 2016 at 8:40 amYou are definitely NOT alone! Praying you find the time each day to do something that breathes life into your soul.
Jennifer M. Frisbie says
May 25, 2016 at 1:45 pmAlecia, I am so there with you. These are words that have been spoken in my own head a million times over the last few years and I’m grateful to know that I’m not alone. It’s all in His hands… Love your words today – so glad I found them at Holley’s!
Alecia says
May 26, 2016 at 8:44 amSo glad you stopped in, Jennifer! So many of us feel the same way, we want to do what we are called to and do them well. Acknowledging that it’s going to be on God’s timeline and not ours brings such sweet freedom and peace to walk in our callings.
Valerie Sisco at Grace with Silk says
May 25, 2016 at 2:04 pmHi Alecia,
Trusting God to open the doors for our dreams and desires to start coming to fruition is a beautiful journey, isn’t it? Sometimes I think that IS the reason I thought I had a dream, just to experience this time that’s not wasted, but a treasure. Maybe the dream is just the catalyst to get me to the place where I can experience God anew! Savoring your words today!
Alecia says
May 26, 2016 at 8:51 amThere’s that word again, “Trust.” Isn’t that what it’s all about? Trusting Him who gave us our callings to begin with. I love how you worded your comment, so beautiful. Our dreams are about going deeper with God, the journey…great reminder.
Amanda Martinsen says
May 25, 2016 at 2:04 pmLove this. This is exactly what I needed to hear today after feeling weighed down by a busier season of life. Time to slow down, reset with God, and focus on my family. The rest will come in His perfect timing!
Alecia says
May 26, 2016 at 8:56 amAmen! Sometimes our busier seasons make us weary and feel as if we aren’t getting anywhere. I’m so thankful for the times of rest that are always sure to follow. Have a great week, Amanda!
Patty Schell says
May 29, 2016 at 6:52 pmBalance is trusting God’s timeline. So true. I’m my life He very often works out the space for most things.