It seems I just haven’t been able to find the right balance of SAHM and WAHM. I really had a problem sticking to the schedule I made for the summer and looking in to fall I knew changes had to be made. Especially since I am getting busier. Yep, after 5 years I seem to be an “overnight success”.

I was browsing my Tweetdeck the other day, seeing what all the tweeple had to say when I saw a tweet from @AlliWorthington about an article called Priority Management and Life Balance.  It’s a great article.  You should actually stop reading my drivel right now and go check it out.  Don’t worry, I’ll still be here when you’re done.

And what I realized is that my priorities are all out of whack.  I was putting work first and trying to fit everything around it.  It was no wonder I wasn’t finding time for God- I was trying to fit Him in around everything else instead of the other way around.

As for myself, as most mommies will tell you, it is very easy to come last.  Putting myself second…  Wow, what a concept.  But the reasoning that my health and well being are the cornerstone of the family running smoothly makes sense.  So now I am second.

Family is third.  I know I need to spend more time with my girls and Doug.  I am going to focus more on that.

Work is fourth.  This is going to be hard for me.  Oh, I know that no one really cars if the Niagara Falls article I planned to write Monday isn’t done- heck, no one knew I wanted to do it that day.  I have a few deadlines to meet, but otherwise I am on my own schedule.  And I need to realize that I can change it.

On the list church is fifth.  I have a tendency to take on a lot when it comes to church activities.  I need to begin saying no, I think.  I cannot do it all- no matter how much I think I can!

Then comes everything else.  Though I’m not sure if house cleaning falls under “everything else” or “family”.  I’m thinking “family” as it may never be done otherwise.

So today while the girls played at the park I began scheduling my day by priorities.  I also talked to Doug about the fact that I need to work at night after dinner.  In fact, I said, “let’s pretend I’m actually at a job and not home.”  If I can work, uninterrupted except for a good night kiss from my girls a couple nights a week I can get things done.

And exercise has to take priority.  I feel better when I exercise.  I hate to do it- but it makes me feel good.  So now my schedule looks a little like this:

Obviously there is more to be added, but I’m feeling pretty good about this one.  As opposed to others where I’ve felt overwhelmed.

Do you know your priorities?  Does you life reflect them?