This year, for the first time, I decided to choose a word to serve as my theme for the year, so to speak. My word this year is BALANCE because it’s sadly missing in my life.
A funny example to illustrate this–my kids were watching Arthur on PBS and they learned about the legacy a person can leave. I asked all three kids what they would remember about me. Bookworm said he’d remember how much I liked to cook and that I was kind. PB & J Girl would remember my gray hair that kept falling out (Thanks!), and Cuddle Bug said, “Your work? I’ll remember how much you worked.”
Ouch.
Not the legacy I want.
But, I took steps in January to remedy that.
Though it’s scary as can be for a girl who is terrified of financial instability, I quit several of my jobs. Doing so wasn’t easy. Some jobs I’ve had for four years!
I anticipate that with my reduced workload, I will have a 33% income cut from my 2014 earnings (which were already lower than my 2013 earnings.)
However, I also anticipate that I will have a lot more time to spend with my family on the weekends rather than staying holed up in my room writing. I’ll also have more time for homeschooling. I’ll have more time to spend with my family. I’ll have more time to clean the house. I’ll have more time to do activities I enjoy but have been too busy to do.
Most importantly, I’ll have more time to give my husband time to focus on his work. The next few years are important for him career-wise because he needs to secure grants, and next year he’ll start the search for a tenure track position, which can be very time consuming.
While I would like to tell you that I had time to do many of the things I wanted to accomplish, January was a very busy month. However, my reduced work load will go in effect in February.
This month was simply setting the stage for finding balance.
Did you choose a word for this year? If so, what was it? How are you doing in living the way you would like?
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