Random Thoughts on a Tuesday

I had a conversation with a friend on Sunday, and we were lamenting about how difficult our lives are right now. Husbands not working or not working enough. Things not seeming to work out. For me, I struggle with trying to make my business profitable, being a decent mom, keeping my house together, serving in the Church and the community, and carving out some time for myself. I have moments when I think "it is not fair that I have all these burdens/roles to bear by myself."

In a different conversation on Saturday, another friend called this time period my "Refiner's Fire". What was interesting is the more people you talk to, the more you realize that everyone is struggling right now in some way. I know you will always find someone who is going through something much worse than you at any point in time so that is sort of comforting.

What I have come to realize is despite all the crap I seem to be going through, I have to stop and make myself aware of the "ponies" in my midst. When I feel that all is caving in around me, I need to step back and look for the good things that are going on--the little wins. The little miracles in my life. The kids are healthy. They are doing relatively well in school. The kids are entertaining (just look at my Facebook posts of Megan). There is progress going on in the business (though not as much as I'd like), and the putting back together of the house after the remodel is progressing slowly (depending on how much time I devote to organizing).

There is a book called the "4 Hour Work Week", and though I don't agree that you can do a week's worth of work in 4 hours or even 4 hours a day, I do agree with some of the principles in the book. My interpretation of some of the books messages: Block time for certain tasks; keep a schedule and don't get distracted. If I keep on task, at least I won't feel so guilty that I didn't do anything in a particular area at all during a day or week.

I guess what I've discovered is to keep on with the small things that matter most--daily scripture study and prayer, spending time with family. Fill the well so I have something to give. I need to find the small tasks in the other areas of my life that will create big changes in the future. One goal I have is to make my prayers more specific and less rambling. Another is to find those positive things each day that went right. In the end, even if I stumble, I think if I am at least stumbling forward, I should be satisfied no matter where I eventually end up. The only option is to not give up.

Welcome!

Enjoy reading about our family's craziness and goings on. We welcome your comments and thoughts. Talk to you soon!