Tip Tuesday: Know Your Limits!

Now that the weather has gotten nicer, I have somehow been a lot busier with activity. I recently joined my town home association board. I also am organizing our neighborhood garage sale this weekend in addition to setting up my own sale. Then I still need to respond to a political campaign who asked for help. On top of that, our family is finishing up our spring commitments like music class and financial class. Squeeze, Easter, Mother's Day, and a number two birthday and you have a very busy mom who is trying to keep her head above water with a teething kid and daily chores.

Sarah likewise too has been busy. While she is in the hospital for unknown back pain, she still manages to blog and write. Her family is in the process of buying a house adding additional stress. She continues to support and offer her time to "Save the Barn." All the while, she breastfeeds her 9 month old and takes care of a husband, a preschooler, and a toddler.

Are you tired yet? I am just from talking about how busy we are. Since it is on my mind, I decided to take a few minutes to address our limits as moms, me included.

So many people think that moms can do everything as the jack of all trades. And most of the time, moms are the jack of all trades when it comes to taking care of their families in many ways. Others think that because we stay at home we have all this extra free time. Granted moms are the reason so many charities stay successful because they continue to offer their time. Without this resource, charities and non-profits would certainly suffer.

However, perhaps we need to take a lesson from our toddlers in the word "NO." We also need to educate the outside world that we do juggle a lot. In fact our jobs at home are so important, especially caring for our kids. And because they are so important we need to limit ourselves to a few outside activities.

As moms, it is so easy to spread ourselves too thin. We naturally try and do to much. When we become weary and worn, we are less able to take care of ourselves, let alone our families. I encourage you to take a break for your own health and sanity.

Make sure you are getting lots of rest and are eating properly. Ask others for help when you need it and do not be afraid to rely on their help. Treat yourself to something fun. And do not be afraid to say, "no" from time to time.

Good luck.