Submitted by Christine Gillies (not verified) on Tue, 07/29/2008 - 13:11.
How do I find balance and release the desire to be perfect? The answer is that I haven't. I've realized that balance is not a destination, but a journey. You never "arrive"; at least I haven't and most mothers I know agree. Just when you think you've struck balance, something unexpected comes along sways you one way or another.
Accepting that balance is an illusive goal is how I deal with a chaotic life and my desire for perfection. Other ways I cope include calling a dear friend, baking muffins, getting down on the floor to play with my daughter, hugging my husband, taking a walk, heading to bed an hour early to read, searching the net to find a new mommy-inspired blog like this one or booking a coffee date with an old chum. Sometimes I partake in more frivolous, slightly guilty pleasures treats like giving myself a pedicure after my daughter's in bed, watching Oprah, asking for whipped cream on my latte, visiting the thrift store or getting take-out sushi for dinner instead of cooking a meal.
I try to take life one day at a time. Live in the present. And remember that today is a precious gift. I try to remember all those corny-but-true cliches. And if that doesn't work, I just laugh at myself for taking it all too seriously. And if that doesn't work, I may just have a wee cry and look ahead to tomorrow. Everything always looks up after a good night's sleep.
The endless quest for balance and guilt-free living
How do I find balance and release the desire to be perfect? The answer is that I haven't. I've realized that balance is not a destination, but a journey. You never "arrive"; at least I haven't and most mothers I know agree. Just when you think you've struck balance, something unexpected comes along sways you one way or another.
Accepting that balance is an illusive goal is how I deal with a chaotic life and my desire for perfection. Other ways I cope include calling a dear friend, baking muffins, getting down on the floor to play with my daughter, hugging my husband, taking a walk, heading to bed an hour early to read, searching the net to find a new mommy-inspired blog like this one or booking a coffee date with an old chum. Sometimes I partake in more frivolous, slightly guilty pleasures treats like giving myself a pedicure after my daughter's in bed, watching Oprah, asking for whipped cream on my latte, visiting the thrift store or getting take-out sushi for dinner instead of cooking a meal.
I try to take life one day at a time. Live in the present. And remember that today is a precious gift. I try to remember all those corny-but-true cliches. And if that doesn't work, I just laugh at myself for taking it all too seriously. And if that doesn't work, I may just have a wee cry and look ahead to tomorrow. Everything always looks up after a good night's sleep.