2019 is going to be a big year for the Hoekstra’s. We will be experiencing some changes around our house and I welcome those changes with open arms.
Lately I have struggled finding out how to balance my time. Why is that?
This semester I am working from home. I am teaching all of my classes online.
That is a big switch for me.
While I love being at home, I find myself a little distracted some days with the household tasks: cleaning, sweeping, dishes, laundry, and even the temptation of Netflix or naps.
I have been teaching for a few weeks now. Finding my “groove” working online has been a bit challenging too. Do I work a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule? Do I look at things online for classes after 7 p.m., or do I spend that time with family? Should I be working with online classes on the weekend?
I go through those questions just about every day.
What I am realizing is that I am finding time for myself in this new schedule/semester. I have had time to work on my own writing. I’ve had time to start a podcast with a dear friend and colleague. I meal prep and plan, and I do indulge in a nap or two.
I saw something online (of course) that caught my eye a few days ago. I find it perfect to share and remember. Maybe some of you need to remember or the reminder this message brings.
“I want to make memories not to-do lists, I want to feel the squeeze of my child’s arm not the pressure of over-commitment. I want to get lost in conversation with the people I love not consumed by a sea of unimportant emails. I want to be overwhelmed by sunsets that give me hope not overloaded by agendas that steal my joy.
I want the noise of my life to be a mixture of laughter and gratitude not the intrusive buzz of cell phones and text messages. I am letting go of distraction and perfection to live a more simple life consisting of what really matters.”
And there you have it. I am focusing on what really matters. While my job matters and my students matter, I also realize that my family and the time that I can spend with them (not distracted) matters.
