One of the reasons that I started this business a couple of years ago (yes, it's been two years! How time has flown) was so that I could have a more flexible schedule and spend more time with my four children - especially my last two. At that time they were soon-to-be two years old and soon-to-be four years old. So it seemed that this working from home thing would meet my needs.
I even felt that I could help more working mothers spend more time with THEIR little ones - it was even a tag line on some of my Facebook ads - "Come Home to a Clean House". The idea being that you came home and there would be nothing to do but homework with the children and getting in some much-needed quality time with your family (maybe even catch some of that elusive thing called SLEEP).
Well, as I said it's been two years - and so many changes have taken place that I felt the need just to purge and talk. And I know it's just between us - so I am safe to talk right?
I have had to learn how to be firm, how to be gracious, grateful and humble no matter the situation and I have learned that life really can be a juggling act.
You see in the last two years I have acquired three more children. And yes I mean acquired as they did not come from my womb. So my house is now bursting at the seams with SEVEN children (and NO this is does NOT include my absolutely awesome husband as some like to joke and add).
Additionally, the business has grown, amazingly so. I suspected, but never fully realized just how many families needed a service like Heavenly Hands. And I have been happy to meet those needs. It is that joy that has kept me going through the MANY frustrating moments.
Frustrating because the balancing act has begun. In the circus I prefer the lion tamers - juggling clowns and those who walk the tight rope have always left me feeling anxious. But now I am becoming them - I am walking the tight rope and I am balancing.
Balancing between the visions I have in my head for my company versus the reality of the resources at my disposal. Balancing between my desire to be with my wonderful family versus my growing obsession with my business. Balancing between the "me" I am versus the "me" I need to be.
Starting this business has made me come face to face with my personal shortcomings. Being a "visionary thinker" and "artistic" doesn't help you balance the books. Or keep a proper schedule. Or plan for the year ahead, or the month ahead - heck even the week ahead. So I have had to buckle down and master tasks that make me feel like pulling my eyes out - I am now the queen of scheduling and filing (my girlfriend V would be proud).
Starting this business has also made me realize how others see me (trust me when I say that people who live in their own heads do NOT have a realistic picture of what others think of them). You want to know how people see you - try taking their money.
Starting this business has brought me face to face with what prioritizing REALLY means - I have three hours, should I: go over the schedule for next week... make that call I've been meaning to for the longest while... spend some time with my 16 year old (or any of the seven for that matter)... spend some time with my husband... sleep?
I recently attended a workshop on Multitasking. And even while the facilitator was speaking I was thinking "Lists! Doesn't she know I am the QUEEN of lists?! I have lists on what lists I need to make!".
But really, all joking aside - I realized I needed to pare down.
I have been living and thinking in compartments.
It's time that my family and my Ministry is incorporated into my business.
I spent this first week since school has closed using my older children as members of staff - and they have been LOVING it! They come home tired but satisfied - and I am able to spend time with at least five out of the seven. We laugh, we talk, we clean.
I have also decided to set aside at least two days a month to help some of the moms who may not be able to afford my service.
I have worked out what I hope is a great schedule with my husband in how we spend time with the two little ones.
But it's only Wednesday.
I think it's working because I managed to get some sleep and I found the time to chat with you guys - so it's working right?
Right?
