Finding that Balance...

There is a painting that I admire by James Christensen called The Responsible Woman. It pays tribute to his wife and all of her many responsibilities. Looking at the painting I can't help but feel that his wife must be very energetic and balanced to be able to handle all of the many activities she is involved in. I must admit, I'm in survival mode most days, and I don't do near as many things as a lot of the wives and mothers do around me. I don't run my children around from one practice or lesson to another throughout the week. I don't take college classes or get involved with reading clubs or join a fitness club. I don't tend to seek after opportunities that would bring more responsibility into my life. Do I feel like I or my children are missing out? Sometimes. Do we use our time at home together in a productive manner? Not always. There is always room for improvement. I'm not a "slacker" mom, and neither am I an "alpha" mom. I'm just a mom who has children with varying levels of special needs who can't keep up with the world and what they do with their "All American" kids who can handle social situations with poise and class. My children struggle, therefore I struggle. It's exhausting, even if we don't have several appointments to keep throughout the week. My challenges may not revolve around a tight schedule, but they're challenges just the same. I need to find balance within myself. I need to make the time for spiritual and physical sustenance for myself and for my family. Part of that balance is in learning how to be creative with my time and with my talents. Without some form of creativity in our lives I believe we lose a part of who we are. If you haven't created something lately that you're proud of, take some time and plan for it. It can help tip that scale of burden a bit more in your favor.