There are so many things I want to accomplish in my life…so, so many. But, like many busy moms, I often ask myself, “When is the right time?” When will I have more than a minute to myself? When can I make my dreams come true?
The short answer is that you have to make time. Your time and happiness are just as valuable as anyone else’s. You need to carve out that time and space that you so desperately crave and need. Wake up earlier, stay up later, take some time off.
But what if it’s just not that simple? What if your days are already stretched so thin and you don’t want to add something that is supposed to bring you joy into an already stressful schedule? Do you wait? Do you put your dreams on hold?
Since I was little, I always wanted to be a writer. I always kept journals and had multiple secret diaries locked and tucked away. I used to write poems and short stories for fun. I used writing as my outlet, a way to release stress, share stories, and sometimes to make people laugh. I knew that one day I would write a book. I dreamt of becoming a best-selling author, saw myself on a famous book tour, and envisioned my book on the shelf at Barnes & Noble.
So, why haven’t I done this yet? I have a no-excuses mentality. If you want something, you do it. Make the time, set your goal, and reach it. Why is it that everything around me gets done on time, if not early, for everyone around me, except when it comes to my biggest dream?
Kids’ school projects… completed. Lesson plans for work…done. Christmas shopping early…check. Birthday party planned? You bet. And that doesn’t include working 40 hours a week, groceries, dinners, laundry, cleaning, and driving the kids around. But I don’t have to explain that to you, moms, you all know.
As a former elementary school teacher who switched to early childhood and now teaches pre-k, I had to get my extension over the summer. I was required to take two extra graduate classes, four exams, and two online seminars. Oh, and be a mom to three kids day and night, of course.
I did it all over the summer and was ready to teach in the fall. I told myself I had to put the kids to bed at night, write my papers, and there was no way around it. Why can’t I say this to myself every night and write my potential best seller? Am I subconsciously stuck in the do all the grown-up required things now, and your dreams can wait?
I always told myself that I would write my book when the kids were older, when they officially sleep through the night, and when I had more time. But I am now 44, and my kids are on a schedule, so what am I waiting for?
I decided that with the new year coming, my time is here. I have decided to create a plan for myself and carve out my overdue minutes. Maybe I could change my mindset and tell myself that my dream is just as important as baseball practice, field hockey games, and endless laundry, perhaps I wouldn’t feel so guilty?
I need to hold myself accountable, even if it takes five years! The little girl in me wants to see this happen. If I can’t do it for myself now, I need to do it for her. She would be so proud of me.
