I’m so so so so so so soooooooooooooo busy that…. I need to just stop.
As I’m sure all you lovely folks know, I am in the midst of an epic battle of Good vs. Evil. Good being the right of homeowners such as myself to own small, clean, responsibly owned mini goats. And evil being the class warfare, backwards thinking, antiquated mindset control freaks that want to control their neighbor’s backyards.
But in addition to the political activism work I’m doing in the city, I’ve also recently (like, last week!) accepted a job as an Assistant Manager at the Visalia Farmers Market. A lot of the work is work-from-home type gigs, so I’m busy busy with all kinds of social media work and event planning and such.
Then of course there’s housework, this blog, my garden, my photography business (in the height of wedding season!) and so on and so on and so on…. I reached a MAJOR snapping point yesterday.
So starting today, I’m slowing down. I’m going to pace myself, schedule some me time and more importantly, focus on my precious baby girls (who are ultimately the REASON I work so hard!). I don’t want to become to wrapped up in life that I forget to live. To go play in the sprinklers, to paint a picture with water colors, to bake cookies, to chase bugs, to enjoy my kids being kids while they’re still kids!
So starting today, my blog posts are going to get shorter. Because, let’s face it, I type / talk too much and no one really wants to read a 1200 word article on the health benefits of X, Y, Z (even though I find it fascinating) and while I pride myself on getting wedding photos out quickly, it won’t kill a bride to wait a few weeks for her wedding album.
I’m going to start getting better about trusting other people with projects, especially when I have so many willing and selfless volunteers with the “Goat Movement”. And I’m going to quit feeling so guilty when I shut my phone off and just read a book until my mind stops threatening to explode. And above all, I’m going to make sure my kids are always a priority in any given moment.
Good for you Gingi! Too often people lose themselves in their work and don’t realize it until it’s too late. You, your husband, your girls, and all of your jobs will be all the better for your decision to simplify. And yes, I’m going to do a word count on each and every post you make from here on out. 😉
LOL… I type fast and long posts are fun for me to think and ramble and learn and entertain myself… but sometimes even I’m like.. “no ones gonna read this through”… haha..
Gingi, I totally agree with you… it’s one of the reasons I only blog once a week… I need a little bit of a life plus I have cut back on reading and commenting as much… Valentina is important to me as well as this new guy… we all need to have a little me time and delegate some things out xox ♡
I’m trying to cut back to 2-3 times a week…
You go, girl. So smart, so wise!
And ya’ know what? Sometimes shorter is better. And that’s ok.
Cheering you on …
Yes, go paint and bake and play! Life’s too short to be on a computer all day 🙂
<3
I would love to read shorter posts as well, doesn’t matter how long or short they will be as long as you’ll be here)))
http://www.StripesNVibes.com
BlogLovin
Wise plan! I have friend who tells me I should replace the word busy with full. She tells me that whenever I tell her I have such a busy life, I need to replace it with the words full. Saying I have a full life does sound better!
That’s actually really smart.. so much of life is what we make of it and how we think of things! <3
fabulous and very cute pics
I wish you an happy day
see my new post, kisses
Awe such cute photos
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
You’ve got this Mama!!! I recently decided to try to streamline some stuff too.
Sounds like we’re on the same page! <3
Gingi – Good for you! I think it’s incredibly important to slow down. We can get so wrapped up in our thoughts, our work, and our daily busy activities that we lose sight of other important things. I hope you find a wonderful balance. Although I don’t have children, I have two jobs, my blog, and a fur baby. I have to make “me” time in between whether it’s reading a couple of chapters in a book or planning a few days away with my lovely boyfriend. This time keeps me sane! 🙂
I used to pride myself on being so busy and being able to successfully multi-task.. now I worry it’s at the cost of my children having an involved mommy.. so something’s gotta give!! Just trying to get into a new groove!
Gingi, I’m so with you! It’s so tough to find the right balance with everything and focuses on your girls is the most important thing you can do! Don’t miss the special moments. I find that my 3-year-old keeps saying “mom, you’re working on your blog too much” and that breaks my heart. Let’s hold each other accountable =)
Oh man, that is kind of heartbreaking.. my little one is only talking in one word sentences right now, but I hear once they start talking, they tell you A LOT about yourself.. haha.. best form of self-improvement right there!!
It’s such a delicate line in this day and age, but I know you will find a way to balance your home life with fighting for the things you are passionate about : )
Good move Gingi! i used to write long blogs. Then i saw the longest should be no more than 500 words. That became my standard. Now, like my preaching, i try hard to say what I got to say and get out of there. If a post is 200 words or less. Great! If it is <300 good. Anything above that gets to be too long. While some things are good, some things need to/must take a back seat. Your girls are young only once (the look of intensity on her face is priceless) so spend the time with them.
Great advice! One of the things I admire in all of my favorite authors is the ability to say much in just a few words..
Congrats on your new job! Wow that’s wonderful and you are right kids are the most important priority! Beautiful photos!
xo, Bry
Drissella.Naughty&Nice
It’s all about balance, lady! Good for you for taking a step back and re-focusing. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
We’ve all been there for sure! And I find that my responsibilities often bunch up, so that greatest service I can do for myself is intentionally “normalize” my schedule. Of course, easier said than done for sure! Just blocking out some time each day to pause helps me a lot and gives me a window to catch up if I’ve fallen behind:)
Yeah, I need to set myself some working hours I’ve discovered… I too often get caught up in one thing that is 5 days worth of work, and try to get it all done in one day!
Good for you, Gingi. It’s important that you slow down and take time to BE with your kids. I am sure you’ll find the right balance.
hugs
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Oh girl – I hear it! With blogging, photography, parenting, marriage, fun… summer. It’s all too much. I had to slow mine down a bit too!
I often wonder how you do it Tamara!!! hehehe..
You do so much, it’s amazing! I think it’s very good you have your priorities straight and will take some quality you time when you need it. You give so much…
You definitely are one busy lady! I love that you wear so many hats, but wear them all so gracefully.
Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy
You step back and do what you need to do. I know I’ll be here supporting whatever move you make for your sanity and family. I know how important it can be to just step back sometimes.
Enjoy a book, take a relaxing calm bath alone, or just get some rest! 🙂
Thank you!! It was super sweet getting that e-mail from you the other day.. totally made my morning!! <3
These pictures are so cute!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
You definitely deserve some precious time for yourself and your two beautiful children! Take care and hope everything turns out well!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Thank you Prudence!! <3
Such a great idea. You are so smart and amazing person! Beautiful pictures <3
xxx
cvetybaby.com
Wow, you are busy! It is so important to take some time out to relax though 🙂
Everyone needs some time off, Good on you Gingi <3
Serene | I Am Serene L
<3
Yes!!! Great post. Our society is so much about more and more and more, and we lose out on what’s really important. Not to mention, we can lose ourselves. As moms, wives, workers, etc, we have to learn to just say no sometimes, or at least have a limit, so we can enjoy peace. Thanks for this! P.s. I’ve prayed for your goat situation, and hope it gets resolved sooner than later, in your favor of course! 🙂 love the pics of your daughter watercoloring.
Very well said!! Such wise words… I am anxious for some resolution myself! This has been one wild year!!!
Take the time you need and enjoy it with the girls, Gingi! I’m always blown away with your drive and accomplishments. Congrats on the new job! It’s nice to be able to work from home, isn’t it? Honestly, I don’t think you talk/type too much. But whatever you will give us, as a loyal reader, I will take! 🙂
Awwww, your comment made my morning!! <3 <3 <3
Congrates on your new position, Gingi. Yes it can be hecitc and we do understand. Short can be good too. Keep your head up, Beautiful. 🙂
missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Whoa. yes, that is a LOT going on. LOVED this post. Pray about your priorities and delay the unnecessary.
Good for you! Taking some me time and slowing down is always a good thing! 🙂
<3
i know exactly what you mean. it seems that every week, i have to STOP and evaluate where i am and how my family is doing. it’s all worth it, but it’s a lot of work, momma.
love, liz
stylewich.com
That’s not a bad idea! I need to make that a regular check-in routine!
ohh this is so great!!:) i hope you’re doing well!
mfashionfreak♥blog
You are so right. There are times when I know I need to stop and I don’t. I keep pushing forward. But the most precious thing we have is time and I know I need to learn to stop and enjoy the moment. Beautiful photos and such a great post.
Kia / The House of KTS
http://www.houseofkts.com
I used to get every client’s photos back within a week (though I’ve never done a wedding so it’s nothing that large scale. We’re talking sessions with 50-100 photos). But then I got SO swamped with everything and was so stressed all the time. And it hit me. The only reason I am so crazy busy is because I’m making it that way. So I started telling people to expect photos around 2 weeks. And I stopped scheduling sessions on top of each other and scheduled a little bit of breathing space for myself. It has made a world of difference. I imagine with two little girls at home that is even more important! Glad you are stepping back a bit to breathe. 🙂
Yeah, I am pretty much putting the stress on myself ultimately.. I’m thinking I am going to lengthen my turn around time. Yup. I think that’s gonna happen! lol…
It sounds like you are doing so many amazing things, but the most important is taking care of yourself and your little ones! I am glad you are slowing down a little bit!
xo,
Jessica
http://www.fortheloveofbubbly.com
sooooo cute
lena
http://skinnycature.com/le-negresco/
Oh my word, I thought I WAS busy! Yes, you definitely need some more me time, just spoil yourself a little and take time to just relax with your little ones 🙂 life is too short to forget to live x
♥.•*¨ Amanda Says ¨*•.♥
I’m slowly getting on top of my huge to do list… feeling optimistic I’ll be less stressed over the holidays! <3
good for you my friend, take your me time then…..
Sounds a very good plan to me.
Take time to enjoy your little ones … they grow up so quickly.
Hope your week is going well.
All the best Jan
I hope you will take much more ‘me time’ and you will spend as much quality time with your children as you can! xx
Sara Wallflower
I will be!! <3 <3
Gorgeous pictures! My dear friend you are doing the right thing <3 Now I also got a chance to catch up reading all your posts from the time is was abscent. I know how busy your are and I understand that you need to step back for a while. Taking care of yourself and spend time with your family. I have missed your posts and comments. I be here when you get back 🙂
Glad to hear you’re slowing down! We all reach a breaking point if doing too much. I’ve had to remind myself that I can’t get it all done. That nothing ever gets done all at one time, and that there’s time in the future to get to them.
love that you keep yourself so busy, but sometimes you have to take the time to breathe/STOP!
xoxo
http://midoriline.com/blog/
Good luck with everything you have on your plate! Sure are on supermom!
DAISYPERSON | BEAUTY BLOG
I definitely think you’re making the right move here. When your plate gets full like that, things need to change. I prefer shorter blog posts anyway.
Sometimes a girl just needs a break, and you deserve it!
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com
BLOGLOVIN
Sounds like you deserve a break! Enjoy!