Balance is an elusive concept

Way back when I became a mother of two all I heard other moms say was how they just wanted "balance"! So I figured, a new mom and all, I probably needed to strive for this as well - it was the in thing way back then after all! It didn't take long for me to realize that there are very few acts that could navigate the tightrope of motherhood in an upright position, so why let that concept of balance be my driving force?

Looking back at that time when I had a preschooler and a new baby I realize I truly was a crazy woman! I was here there and everywhere trying to create a happy, stable home for my family. Jay needed to be in a good preschool so she would have a strong foundation to spring from. Nas needed something for that eczema on his cheeks so I tore through every magazine I could find, tried every product I could afford, all to no avail. Here we are, Jay thriving in 5th grade and Nas's face is all one lovely shade of brown. I wanted the kids to eat healthy, play outside regularly, have extracurricular activities, have movie night as a family, learn how to be in social settings, travel a little, spend time with extended family, bathe every so often, blah blah blah.

Seven years later I realize even more so that there is no such thing as balance in this life. It's like a marriage, life is: sometimes I'm carrying 80% of the load while Babe can only do 20% and vice versa. But rarely is our marriage ever a perfect 50/50. So why pretend it's even possible or realistic?!

As I sat here thinking, I need a little more balance in my day it quickly occurred to me that balance truly is an elusive concept. All I can do is what I can do: some days I'm a cleaning machine, on others I'm focused solely on getting what we need in the household with a sprinkle of what needs to be done for me. Some days I'm taking care of to-dos Babe needs me to get done and on others I get to have a leisurely lunch with a friend and arrive at home in time for the kids to get out of school. Some things I can plan, others I cannot. I would do well to go with the flow more instead of worrying incessantly about the Lazy Susan that needs to be organized? Really? Spend that girl around til the panels enclose the contents and go do something FUN! Cleaning machine day will come and that lazy girl will get the attention she deserves.