Oh the things we let ourselves believe…
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The emergence of small business and “self-made” empires has preached the importance of hustle in our day to day lives. That we have to hustle now, so we can enjoy life later (aka once we’ve built our fortune). That we have to give up down time and sleep, sacrifice family time and casual outings – all for “more productive hustle”.
And somewhere along the lines, I believe that carried over to motherhood as well. If we’re not doing, we’re slacking. If we look too put together, people will think we weren’t “momming” it enough that day. Or if we aren’t absolutely frantic and touting the “hot mess express” badge, then we obviously don’t have enough on our plates and should most definitely say “yes” to the next volunteer request.
There are ways to accomplish our to-do’s and then some without missing out on other important areas of life.
Hustle does not equal happy.
Whether it be business or homemaking, keep your heart in tune with how you’re hustling.
As a mom who likes to “try” to do it all, I’ve learned several KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) over the last few years:
1. Why DIY? If not for the joy of the process or substantial $$$ savings, I pump the brakes.
2. Where is my heart? As soon as any ill-talk enters my brain, I stop and do a heart check. If we aren’t serving (even our families) from the right place, we have to reassess.
3. What’s the Profit-Loss of the situation? I’m not so quick to say yes to everything. Sometimes a no has much more value in the long run.
4. Who am I doing this for? For the recipient or my own self worth and a few compliments…?
This is honest talk! I like to make and do and serve and create. But, there have been times in just the last 2 months that I’ve had to seriously alter my plans because I realized they weren’t in line with those KPIs. Continuing on would have left me frantic and anxious and empty.
We’re called to be good stewards of our time… AND to rest.
While yes, planning ahead is important. Do not get caught up in the hustle for sake of future unknown living. Live the here and now… now!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
