Balance...

I have been feeling the need to write about balance in life, balance with how much time to give everything and balancing the feeling of need to do it all. By nature, I hate to disappoint people. I hate that feeling and especially when it comes to blogging, I hate when people are so kind to comment on a post and then if I don't respond to their comment, I feel guilty but then the question is do I respond to their comment or do I visit their blog? How do I make the time to do both?
I really do love blogging but sometime the amount of time to keep it up, keep up with all the great blogs out there is tiring...

Then there is the question of being on the computer all day at work and after 8 hours of being on the computer, I am tired but then I need to come home and look on the computer for jobs. December is coming up real soon... but I know God is in control and I am surrendering all my worries to Him.                    
                                      
I have my husband I want to spend time with, I have laundry that needs to be washed, a house that needs to be cleaned, dogs that need to be walked and given plenty of belly rubs, friends to call and connect with... and priority number one is read my Bible and pray daily.
                        
How do I find time to do it all? Frankly, I do want to do it all but I can't and sometimes it stresses me out, the thought of how much I have to do at work, then at home and in life in general.That feeling of guilt creeps up on me as I am falling asleep saying you didn't do enough today, you left that cleaning to be done tomorrow, you said you would call a friend and you didn't today...
I just wanted to share what has been on my heart and in my head lately with you all...



                                

49 comments:

Simply LKJ said...

We just discussed this very thing in our Tuesday Bible Study (The Life God Rewards). Our challenge this week was to seek out things in our lives that are taking our time away from the things that truly are important.

Katie said...

Meg I'm right there with you! and I wish you had an answer (or I had an answer) of how to fit it all in! I think it comes down to making sure the most important things in your life are fulfilled - like your marriage, or quiet time to yourself and then throw in blogging, commenting, and even chores :) I wish I was better at prioritizing things sometimes as I think I miss out on some of the important things in life because I fill it with other things. . . . thanks for sharing your heart!

Kira said...

Yeah, at the end of the day I often think about things I wish I had gotten to that day. For me with blogging, I just decided to stop worrying about it. If I don't have an idea for a post or if I'm just too busy, I won't write a blog post for that day. Although I love blogging, it's definitely not on the top of my priority list most days.

Carlie said...

It can be so hard to find a balance! I think that is something I will constantly be working on as life changes.

Discovery Street said...

I think balance is one of those words like perfection. It's unachievable all of the time. Heck, I only feel balanced when on vacation when I'm being selfish with my time ! Lol. I think life has seasons, and when we are in a 'busy' season we just are, knowing that it will always be followed with a time of rest. How else would we remain sane?

Laura @ Laura Likes Design said...

Aw, your blog is so cute! I'm totally adding you to my google reader! Thanks for visiting my blog!

Xaimarys said...

Lovely post. I enjoyed reading it. When you get a chance I'd love it if you could check out my blog.

Xaimarys ♡
www.ajumbled-mess.blogspot.com

Hilary said...

I completely understand the guilty feeling. I hope that people don't EXPECT you respond to their every comment and visit their blog on a daily basis to catch every single post. That's just not a reasonable expectation of anyone! You can't worry about everyone else or you'll always be worried :) XO

Darby Hawley said...

Meg I so read you loud and clear on this one! It's so hard to find balance and lately I have had to cut stuff out, but I don't like it. Such cognitive dissonance!

Megan said...

Planning is your best friend in this case! Take one day out of the week to prepare your posts, write, edit, upload and have your posts ready. For example, Sunday afternoon, when everyone is taking an afternoon nap.

Then just press publish on the day you think the post should go up. Quick, easy effective!

{The Perfect Palette} said...

I've definitely been there! Seriously... balance is difficult! And especially finding it nowadays when I have 3 little ones - (two newborns and a 2 year old). my time is stretched more than ever now :) I think the key is to not put unrealistic expectations on yourself! Easier said than done. I know of the blog guilt you speak of ;)

CALLIE said...

We have discussed this many, many times. This little blog world really can start to take over sometimes. I have been doing so good at not letting this happen lately. Just can't worry about it. I promise nobody will quit reading bc you don't email them back. I would much rather someone read my blog than respond to a comment I left on their's, especially if it wasn't a question that required a response!

Holly said...

I feel like this all.the.time!!! I am a pleaser and a doer and it's hard to please everyone and do it all. Something has to give and that's where I'm at. But what gives? That's the stressful part! Something won't, can't get done and someone will be disappointed. I'm learning how to let go - of the stress of trying to do it all, of feeling guilty, of disappointing others. It's a process, but I think the important things will present themselves :) Keep your head up!

chantal marie said...

I have read soo many blog posts about this lately. It is a lot of work and it takes up a lot of time. I feel this way a lot too. At the end of the day, I believe you have to live your "real" life and just do the best you can with the blog. Blogging is supposed to be fun and the people who care about you will understand if you dont always reply to all of their comments. Do your best! :)

A Shopaholic Runner said...

I officially haven't blogged in 2 weeks! I'm completely with you on balancing.

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

Glad to know I'm not the only one struggling with these feelings. You really hit home as this week I've been questioning this whole balance thing ALOT. I've sacrificed alot for my blog lately (hanging out with the hubby, working out, etc)and this whole week I have been wondering if it is worth it? Don't get me wrong I love the blog world and all the peeps I have "met" but when you spend an hour writing a post when you could have been spending time with your hubz or family and then like what 15 people come by it is frusterating (that is I am not sharing a craft....but I can't time wise and financially be sharing DIY projects day after day)! I've really been thinking about reprioritzing so if you find a way to achieve balance please do share your secrets!!

Holly Foxen Wells of Glamour Mash said...

So funny that you wrote this post. I wrote a similar and have read 2 other posts about feeling a bit down or trying to balance it all or feeling tired out. Me included. Just remember it's all in God's hands and it's ok to not do it all sometimes. Of note, make time for yourself.

xx
Holly Foxen Wells
GlamourMash

agalandherdog said...

I feel you! Thinking about you today.

Faith said...

I've noticed that when I feel that I can't balance it all I take a blog break. Meaning, I won't blog. Check emails from bloggers or check out blogs. I enjoy blogging but I never want to feel overwhelmed by it. And when I do, I give it a break. Everyone deserves a break :)

Lauren said...

for me, blogging will ALWAYS be the first thing to go. friends, family, cooking, and a clean house (ok, and cocktails) will always win out and that's a GOOD thing.

Emily said...

Love this post. Balance is definitely so tricky to find. I think you have your priorities straight.

creamyclothes.blogspot.com

Liesl said...

I completely feel for you on the hating to disappoint people, I am the same way...and it can be hard at times to find that perfect balance, of which you speak, and blogging can really take up so much time! Love how honest you are, it is such a refreshing and wonderful quality! Sending extra hugs your way! :)

Mandee said...

I love this Meg. I wish I read all of your posts and commented on them all but I just do not have the time either. But I am thankful for the time I do have to read blogs and interact with them. You are doing a great job! I love reading your replies but everyone understands when they go unanswered. You are awesome!

Ashley said...

I actually have been having the same thoughts lately, (and have scheduled a post on it tomorrow). It's so hard finding a balance, but first and foremost...make sure you are taking care of YOU!

Courtney said...

I agree Meg, it is tough. The computer can chew up SO much time and I stress about it. What an inspirational quote:)

Ariel said...

Finding balance is so hard most of the time! Good for you for putting the extra effort forth! I'm sure it is exhausting but worth it :)

Always Maylee said...

Aw Meg, I'm sorry you are feeling this way lately. But we all feel that way sometimes. It's hard to balance all the things that going on in our lives.. the most important thing is to do what makes you happy. Blogging is SO time consuming and you should never have to feel guilty or obligated to do it. It should be a fun thing!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Couture Carrie said...

So true, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Anonymous said...

OH MY WORD. This is exactly where I'm at in life...working a job that I hate and that doesn't use my strengths just to make ends meet. Being too busy with everything at work/home to spend time with the people I love...and struggling to maintain my relationship with God at it's best because I'm so stressed and tired. Really ahrd to balance everything and decide when to keep plugging along or when to say "bye" to something in life. Sorry for you...you've got a sister out here who understands!

<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com

jessi bridges said...

As women we all definitely struggle with this. I know I do!! You are not alone. I was watching a sermon that Mark Driscoll was giving once and his wife was on stage with him answering questions and one of the things she said is that we'll never be able to have balance. It's just not possible. And hearing that from someone who seems to have it all together is even more encouraging. You mean, I'm not doing things wrong?? We just need to focus on Christ and do everything for His glory. Balanced or not, that's what really matters, right?

kyna... said...

I hear ya hon!!! I used to have so much time for my blog, and many other things...and now I don't know where it has all gone. Your words are the exact words in my heart right now too!
♥ Kyna

Sarah said...

I hear ya, Meg! I have been thinking about this a lot lately! Thank you for your honesty and for writing this! It is definitely something I am going to be thinking about! If you do figure out that balance you have to let us all in on your secret, k?? :)

Maja Mladenovic said...

Great post! I really like your blog!

Wanna follow each other?
mayasfashioncorner.blogspot.com

Lady B said...

Hey Meg.. thank you for stopping by my blog yesterday. I am so happy to have found another lovely blogger out there.

Your honesty in this post will touch many women out there, I know it did me. In the end, wrap up all those worries (big & small) in a tight ball and hand over to God :)

Happy New Follower,
Lindsay
http://mrmrsbeeze.blogspot.com/

stephanie said...

so so true! this has been on my mind as well lately, must be the changing of the seasons and start of the new school year. lots of time for reflection :)

Allison said...

I feel that SAME way...there are so many amazing people out there and I feel bad when I don't get to comment back/check out their blogs. In all reality we can't do it ALL and we do need balance. Being honest and doing your best goes a long way. I love you with or without all the comments, but of course who doesn't love comments. :)

Kate @ Daffodils said...

It is definitely hard and my blog is only a fraction of hte size of yours, I don't know how you do it! But this summer, I definitely learned not to stress out about posting everyday- if I didn't have time or don't feel inspired, I dont do it. YOu are doing great! Good luck with the job search!

Kelinha said...

Nice blog. Would you like to follow each other? =)

Karen said...

So true and that is why I can barely get 4 blogs a month published and only read a few. Dont be so hard on yourself, you are such an amazing friend and supporter to so many!!

Regina of Live Delightfully said...

Don't worry... you'll find that balance. Oh it's tough, this whole thing of what should I do first, and where should I spend the most time, I'm battling with that every. single. day.

But I'm finding peace in it all. Knowing that there are some things I *must* keep at the top of my list. And also allowing myself to be present in each moment. If I decide to blog, I go at it with full gusto, trying to not worry about what else I *should be* doing. If I'm taking care of the kiddos, I do it. And who cares about what else needs to be done. Working to be present in each moment is hard, it's challenging, but it's worth it to have the peace knowing that I'm doing everything I can. And that's all anyone can really ask of us anyway.

(((HUGS))) sweet friend. Be present in each moment and find your peace. :)

Katie {katie lately} said...

I definitely know what you mean Meg! If you're spending time with Sean and Jesus and the pups though, the cleaning can wait in my opinion :)

Anonymous said...

It's really hard to balance when you're not a full time blogger... I think we all get how you feel and that's why we'll never be mad at you for not responding or not visiting our blog right away. Please, try to not feel guilty, try to enjoy every little moments you have in real life also. Good luck :)

Stephanie said...

As you can see from my lack of blogging and lack of commenting recently, I feel the same way. It just gets to be too much sometimes...unfortunately. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

The Presutti's said...

I think that happens to us all. It is hard to find a balance with everything that needs to be done in life.

Kate said...

I think this happens to all bloggers. It's really tough to find the balance. I have found that blogging/commenting sometimes has to take a back seat so I can focus on my family and friends.

A Brew of Blessings said...

I am another that can totally relate! Finding balance is hard anyway, then add - house chores, hubby time, fan/friends time, work and then add blogging on top of that!? It can be a lot. Good thing is...most of us can completely understand. Good luck gal ;)

Ashley said...

The subject of balance is on my mind ALL of the time! I've learned to realize that I'm just not going to be able to do it all.... and that is good enough. Something always has to give. Sometimes I wish I was Superwoman, but then I remember I'm not and that I'm just me.

Time away from blogging is always good, and we'll still be here when you get back. ;)

Happy Monday to you.

Kristin said...

the only reason i can kinda keep up is that i work 12.5 hour shifts at a computer. breaks are good tho :)

Nicole-Lynn said...

I feel like I could have written this myself! I always feel so guilty for many things. It's hard being a wife, student, mommy to a furbaby, friend, sibling.. life can be consuming sometimes. Thanks for not making me feel alone! ;)