People often ask me, how do you do it all? I think last week was the most I heard it. I have two toddlers, a Hubby and home to help take care of. I also write this here little ol'blog and a new blog that I just started in January. From about November to March I also volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Oh yeah. I also have this kind of full-time job, Monday thru Friday 8 to 5pm.
My house is never perfectly clean, my kids are wild and we don't mind eating out. I also have a lot of support from my Hubby, my Momma and my Hubby's immediate family. We also often recruit his Aunt and 3 of his cousins; all of who often help us with watching or picking up the the kids. It's true that it takes an village to raise a child, in my case in takes a lot of family members to help in following your dreams, reaching your goals and yes... doing what you love.
It's rarely easy and it required a lot of constant communication. Sometimes things work out and I can get it all done. Other times, I have to let go of events, sacrifice time and skip out on family time but at the end of the day, I love my children and my Husband. They love me and we do have a good life no matter how late we go to bed or how hard some weeks might be.
In all honesty. This has been my life for as long as I can remember. Busy. I do often wonder if it's me trying to fill a specific void, and it does. Can't discuss much but it's mostly to fulfill the emptiness I feel career wise. I also feel that it's part of my sense of purpose and what I was really meant to do. The busy life actually keeps me sane and funny enough happy. I try to do as much as I can and it never seems to bother anyone. I think if I stop, I will stop forever and that scares me.
Last week I was; on a local television show, I worked my regular job everyday, I volunteered, attended a conference and wrote a blog post everyday of the week. My kids are extremely patient with me and our life. They also love to be silly and are used to me and the picture taking. I try not to pressure them and as soon as I know they are ready to go home, we end our day.
My best advice for women who just don't know if they can "do it all"?
First off. If you really want to just do something, DO IT. Nike, really does have a good point. Just Do it. You never know if something will work unless you try it. If you try and you don't seem to have a good feeling or it just never seems to fit into your life, then at least you tried, right? Yes. And, you don't have to keep a certain lifestyle or schedule, it's your life you can do what you want. I do what I do, because I love it and I want to do it all. But, please note, I don't do it all and often I reach my limits and time runs out. I don't ever feel like a failure because at least I tried.
Secondly, find a good balance and schedule. This includes finding help. You need to have a good strong support group around you. You also want to have people in your life who may not understand all that you do or why you do it but who don't mind helping you. Because deep down inside those people believe in you and your ability to succeed at anything you set you mind on! I try to do as much as I can and discuss schedules with my Husband often just to make sure we are all the same page. Like I said, some weeks are better than others and if something just doesn't fit in the week, then I simply don't do it. I often pick 1 or 2 events that I know will really be beneficial and go to those. We do make family time and children's activities a priority.
Finally. Don't compare. Don't compare your journey, your stage in life or career to anyone else's. Just don't. We are all fighting a different battle and what works for me, may not work for others. I do fall into this comparison cycle some times but then I use those moments as inspirations to be better and do more for myself, my family and what I love which is to write and keep my blog up!
My biggest motivation to do all that I do, my Husband, my kids and my family. I want to be the best me and a good example for those in my community. So, I work hard and attempt to do as much as I can, not just for myself but for those around me. And, in the words of James Brown {cause I saw Get On Up last night, HA.} "If you are gonna do something do it right!" Maybe I should have people call me, Mrs. Gomez. Ha.
I try to do all that I do the best way possible and in the best time for me and my family. That's all I can do... and I simply do what I love to do!
