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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

5 Ways to Balance Work/Baby/Life

Happy Hump Day!

I hope you all are enjoying the week thus far. 
First thing is first, If you haven't entered my giveaway, do so here.

I've got a lot going on, remember my post on juggling, here
Have you ever crashed from having so much going on in your life?

That's what happened this week, my body literally said 'Stop!'
At times, we really must listen to our bodies. They will let us know when we are doing way too much; they will let us know if we are eating the wrong things. God wants us to manage what He's given us, and our bodies are not excluded. Do you remember my post about being armed? (if not, click here) It's important to be accountable, responsible, and manage things accordingly. At times we have so much going on that it seems  impossible to stay on top. 
Here's my list of 5 ways to balance work/baby/life. 
I am no pro at this -hey, I'm only 4 months in to this mommy thing, however, I have been able to try a few things and these are what have helped me the most. 

1. Do Your Best. 
Nobody said it would be easy, nobody said it would always be fun. Taking care of baby(ies), hubby, and yourself is hard work. As long as you are putting your best foot forward, your efforts are appreciated. They might not say it all the time, but they do appreciate you. I appreciate you. In fact, pat yourself on the back right now, yes you! You are doing a great job. Here's a gold star *hands you a sticker* You deserve it. 
2. Your definition of "perfect" changes. 
Perfect no longer looks the same. It doesn't feel the same either. Perfect has somehow been distorted into getting your family dressed and out the door and on-time for work, daycare, school. It doesn't look pretty most days and it doesn't have to (remember this post?). As long as the end goal is accomplished that's the new perfect. Don't get me wrong, planning definitely helps - but you will see days when your plan goes out the window - baby stays up all night, gets sick, you and hubby have a disagreement, work is super busy. Those are days when the strength of God is required to get through and that's fine. Calling on God to guide you is always perfect.
3. Trust in your village. 
It sounds so cliche yet it is so true. It takes a village to raise a child. You will have built a network of God, friends, relatives, nannies, teachers, coaches, etc to help you teach and care for your child. Giving this network your trust is vital to keeping some sanity. It's tough to do it by yourself, and you shouldn't have to. Relying on others for help is A-OK. 
4. Breathe & Take Care of Yourself. 
It's okay if you don't get everything on your list done today. Breathe. There will be days where you will feel like you have conquered the world. There will be days that you feel like you did not do enough of anything. In those moments take a breath, "Woo-Sah." It will all be there tomorrow, and you can try, try again. And always take care of yourself - get out for a moment and hit the gym; Get 10 minutes in with a good book, go in the bathroom and lock the door for 5 minutes and paint your nails!  Those short moments are well deserved and much needed. You will always feel you don't have time, but carve out the time and do it!
5. Enjoy the small and BIG moments. 
Take it all in. Some of the most challenging times can be some of the most beautiful moments. When your baby cracks a smirk in the middle of a mess she just made. When your hubs comes home with your favorite candy bar -*cough*100 Grand*cough*- when you are having a tough day. When you or your hubs gets a promotion! When your baby has a laugh attack and her laugh is super adorable. When you get to spend valuable time with family and friends. Soak in these moments. Enjoy these moments, because as soon as they are gone they are memories. Take photos! Don't be so connected to your phone and social media that you can't disconnect yourself for your family. They are so important!
Peach Cut off Blouse - Nordstrom's Rack; similar here, here, here, here
Black Flare Mini Skater Skirt - H&M, similar here, here
Teal Chunky Statement Necklace - similar herehere, here
Teal/Black Bangle - Forever21, similar here, here
Mint Crossover Bag/Purse - Urban Outfitters, similar here, here
Nude Pumps - similar here, here, here

Do you agree or disagree with my tips?
What are some ways you deal with balancing life? 
Leave me a comment!

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9 comments:

  1. cute look! i agree - enjoy the big and small moments. xoxo
    - Lisa @ Being Stepmom
    http://beingstepmom.com

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  2. I agree wholeheartedly! Especially #2. Great advice (and great outfit)!

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  3. Okay. I don't even know where to begin. I'm liking All. Of. This.

    For starters, nude pumps, top knots, and RayBans are my jam, and I will consider them fashion staples until I am 97 and gumming my food in a retirement home.

    The necklace and skirt are to die for, too.

    Nice job, Jena!

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  4. It's good to know when you need to slow down. I hope you find a happy balance soon :)

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  5. Hi Jena!
    Visiting from WIWW, love your blog! It' so pretty :)


    Yalanda @ http://welaughanyway.blogspot.com/

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  6. This is the cutest little outfit, so pulled together! Love it. ;)

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com

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  7. I don't have the baby but I definitely feel u on the balancing act. Do your best. Indeed. Lov the outfit as well :)

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  8. Agree with every single point! I also have one more piece of advice which I gained from the founder of TalentedLadies.com - don't just make a "things to do" list at the start of your day, make a "things I did" list at the end of the day! It is so empowering to look at a list of things you have actually accomplished, not just looking in despair at all the things you haven't ticked off - you may well have done lots more things that weren't even on the original list! You look adorable too; thanks for linking to #AllAboutYou - hope to see you back tomorrow!

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