Monday, September 5, 2011

Making Time for Sanity–Mamavation Monday


This past summer, I felt like I was completely derailed.  

Working full-time from home, with two kids on summer vacation, filling in with summer activities, and me being very civicly involved, left me wasted at the end of most days.  To top it off, I became a single mom.  And for the first time, I was learning to truly “juggle it all.” 

By the end of the summer, though, I settled into the new chaotic routine.  Having patience and a desire to organize our time better helped.

I’ve had to scale back on some of my involvement with outside activities, but it’s worth it to be able to have quality time with my kids when I have them (vs. me being very frazzled) and being able to snag up some time for myself to recommit to fitness.

Since I live in rural Nebraska, my options are a bit more limited in terms of being able to mix things up.  I get bored easily with gyms.  I was thrilled to find Blue Yoga, only 30 miles from me.  After I attended my first class there, I felt proud of myself (not guilty) for getting back to making time for me a priority.  I anxiously await the fall Zumba class to get some more movement into my life as well. Plus, what a blast!


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The best thing I did for myself this summer as we prepared to go back to school is physically organize my work space.  I feel that went miles in helping me feel like the rest of my life was organized.  This meant rearranging to make the space more usable, buying shelving and post-it pads for making lists.  I live my life by list making and get such a sense of accomplishment when I cross that last thing off my list each day! 

My go-to tips for staying organized are definitely making realistic lists and getting everything on a calendar that I look at each day to work from.

I was upset with myself for taking that time off this summer and gaining some of the weight back that I had worked so hard to lose.  But, I find now, I needed that time.  Now that I’ve worked through this period of change, it’s time to move on and get back into the swing of things. 

This post is sponsored by Mabel’s Labels and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

6 comments:

MNMSpecial said...

Oh Sandra! I had no idea your life changed so drastically this summer. I'm so sorry, but glad you have found time for you do you can be there for your kids.
Blue Yoga sounds like fun. I was waiting for some kind of cow tipping comment because that seems like something they would come up with here. Are you still doing roller derby?

Unknown said...

Good luck this week! You are right, it is very important to set realistic goals.

Amanda said...

Don't feel guilty, especially if that time was needed! You're back, and ready, and that's all that matters. I hope this fall is the start of something beautiful for you, good luck!

http://neverwithoutgrace.tumblr.com/

Resa said...

It's so easy to beat yourself up for taking the time off, but I applaud you for understanding that you really needed it. And ONLY 30 miles?! That's determination right there - go mama and enjoy the Zumba!! You're going to have SO much fun :)

beeacutie2 said...

I am so sorry you life changed so much, know that we are here for you. thank you for these tips.

Unknown said...

Thanks all for your supportive comments! I'm energized and ready to take on my new life. :)