Overwhelm
by Stacey
Long term blog readers may have noticed that last week, I posted fewer times than I have in years. Each day, I thought that I would be able to write a post and avoid explaining why my writing practice is suffering. You see, I desperately want to be believe that I can do everything I want to do at all times but it turns out that there are a finite number of hours in every day.
A few months ago, I volunteered to serve on the board of our elementary school’s Home School Association (HSA). This commitment was due to begin in September. I felt like I had lots of time to get myself organized and ready for a shift in my schedule and priorities. And then, you know that expression, ‘best laid plans?’ Well, enter many unanticipated changes in this year’s board and two weeks ago, I took the helm as co-president effective immediately.
I love our school. I love our principal. I love being around children and teachers and classrooms. I even love meetings but don’t tell anyone I said that. I know that eventually this is going to be hard work but fulfilling work that I enjoy. Between now and then however, I am swimming upstream as I try my best to understand my new role and keep things running smoothly.
When I looked for a picture to include with this post, the one above seemed to depict my current lack of control pretty well. I mean really, I have worked for years to train this dog and today I found her sitting at the table ready, apparently, to be served a meal. I am only surprised she wasn’t ringing a bell and calling for a waiter.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve realized how much I have missed this space. I haven’t made time to write or to read and comment at other’s blogs. I hope my ability to make time for this will get better but for now, if I am quiet, know where I am but know that I am wishing I was finding more time to be here.
I get it! I’m feeling overwhelmed myself. I hope you’re able to find the time you need soon (and then share how/where you found it).
I hope I find it too! I know it is about making the time which I really do plan to do… sometimes it takes getting super busy to make me prioritize!
Your new normal will balance out…eventually. And we patient readers will wait! I know this commitment time crunch well — I joined the board of a small nonprofit last year, the year before my daughter entered Kindergarten, thinking it would give me time to adjust before HER big transition. Like you, that did not turn out to be the case, largely because I was unknowingly walking into a slightly dysfunctional situation and lots of flux, nor was it made clear to me what the time commitment, let alone some of my responsibilities, was going to be. I’m sure you can guess it’s been FAR more than I had anticipated, but I am committed to serving the term I signed on for. I still struggle with the time to do all the things I want, and not well I might add. But if nothing else it’s sending some kind of message to my daughter about prioritizing and following your heart, and that some things just need to be let go to realize them; the tricky part is figuring out which ones. I hope she’s learning as much about that as I am. Good luck — we miss you, and you will still find us here when you get back to it. 🙂
Kristen- It sounds like you completely understand where I am! And yes, I am already making lists of things I hope to learn during this year- for example, you can never please everyone! I find that when I am super busy I learn what I most need to prioritize and I have really missed my time here so hopefully, I will get this writing back on the priority list!
I miss you here but I know for sure they’re awfully lucky to have you. I hope equilibrium (of some sort) returns soon. xoxox
Thank you!
Ebb and flow, right? It’s nice that you have a place like this to come back to (I know how you feel).
And, shhh, I also love meetings.
So glad to know that there is someone else who loves meetings and no, I won’t tell!
The photo is hilarious.
My puppy sleeps in my bed and lays on the couch.
And I do really get it – lately I’ve been saying “no” more often, which makes me panic but I think it’s that I’m admitting that I can’t keep working for free. It was fine in the first year of the photography business but I can’t afford it anymore! Plenty of people do pay me.
I love that you are asking for what you are worth! Brava to you!
Wow, Stacey. What an impressive way to serve your school district. I’m so happy for you to have this opportunity to do fulfilling work. Doing something new like that is always a shock to the rhythm of life at first, until you settle in. I’m co-president of our local soccer league and now that I’m in my second year, it just seems so much easier and less time-consuming. So hang in there – we’ll be here waiting whenever you have time to write!!
I love the phrase, “shock to the rhythm of life at first”. That is exactly what has happened. Thank you for giving words to explain my overwhelm!
Sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate right now! I’ve actually felt the same way so I’ve scaled back posting a bit but I am like you, I miss the conversation so I’m trying to keep it going just a little. Hang in there!
I know exactly how you feel! It seems like it’s been an overwhelming spring for many of us around here but I’ll be here whenever you are 🙂
Thanks Moira!