I’m in a funk. I had a major setback with a big work project this week. And having setbacks as a working mama feels extra stressful. A project I’ve poured a ton of time, money, and resources into in the last six months fell though this week. Two main things continue to clamor through my mind. 1.) All those hours I spent on this and I could have been hanging with Ida. 2.) Every move that I make these days doesn’t just affect me, but, as the primary earner, it affects my whole family.
I suppose there is no real answer to this juggle, this struggle. We pick and choose how to spend our hours, our days, in hopes that we can grab what we’re reaching towards. But what I always need to focus in on is that with every setback, with every decision of where to pour my energies, my time with Ida will always remain the most precious thing. She’s what will always be worth reaching for–the investment that’s worth everything. I mean, look at that face. It’s hard to stay in a funk with a face like this around! So I take it back, I think there *is* an answer to the juggle and the struggle of being a working mama–the answer is, the snuggle :)
Being a working mom is hard! Just remember that Ida is growing up watching you be a strong, goal-oriented woman and that is good for her too.
Thank you for this Haley. That’s a good point too <3
I feel your pain and will say it can get better–with the right priorities, which you have! I can assure you, the balancing act is a tough one, but oh so worth it. Love your positive attitude, Tina. Hugs from Munich!
Thank you Gale! Hugs right back.
You have a lovely motivation :)
Oh my! That IS the sweetest face ever!
Oh, mama, I hear you. I’m working a fulltime job and my side job that’s my real passion and I question all the time if it’s worth all the late nights and weekends away from my girl to make this work happen. And you are SO right, the snuggle makes everything worth it.
it’s all about the snuggle. :D
big hugs to you! i’m sure with this door closing, another (better!) one will open!!!! love this post – turn the struggle into a snuggle!!!!
xo
megan
http://www.otomihome.com
my wise older sister once told me: “working moms can have it all, just not all at the same time”. You are lucky to have a beautiful Ida to snuggle when work disappoints from time to time. It’s all about having balance so the teeter totters without blowing up.
very true tante, very true. <3
Balance.
Always, always, always – in all things – find the balance.
I love it! Struggle, juggle, snuggle. I feel it too, as a working mom. I’m trying to be more present during the time I do have with my son, instead of being distracted with work worries, my mental to-do list, etc. It is SO hard for me to put all of that out of my mind and just be with him. But when I do, I feel calm and sure that I’m where I should be.
Poor Baby!
i feel like this has been the week of funks! glad you were able to snap out of it with a snuggle.
I hear you! As an artist and mother I relate to your post intimately.
As a potter I am fiercely drawn to creating and having my work/dreams and living them in balance with family is a challenge. My heart is pulled towards my children and it sounds like yours is the same. I love the pull! It’s a grounding to the truly important, to the love….then it’s the reminder of why we do what we do. I think women are amazing… Look at us! We dream… we create beauty… we work… we have babies… we love our families and we inspire one another!
And at the end of the day you reflected…. that is the balance and the beauty! Keep on jugglin’ and snugglin’ in the jungalow!
Ooops forgot to sign my name above. Keep inspiring Justina. :-)
what you just said was beautiful and it really hit home for me. i don’t have kids (yet?) but each time a set back hits me, it’s hard to bounce back. especially since i’m on my own for the most part. giving up seems okay because i’m only letting myself down. but coming across your site, reading about your success and being inspired by your work has led me to take steps to becoming a better me. you’re always motivating me to be improve whether it’s never giving up on making my apartment the perfect home and snuggle spot or whatever else comes around to knock me down. love you! hugs.
I mean that face is the answer for sure. Im sorry you’ve experienced some setbacks as of late. I always live by the “mans rejection is gods protection” mantra and it usually is the case. Here’s to a great weekend and a much better week next week friend.
Keep those snuggles coming!
Think how far you’ve gotten this year! Set-backs are bound to happen. I have two kids, and I’m amazed at how much you get done – it’s been inspiring to me. Keep going!
Hang in there, Justina! You’re a strong woman and Ida knows you love her no matter what. She’s still in the “I love momma” stage. Could’ve been worse; both my daughters went through ” I hate momma” stage, 15-25. Have faith, move forward and it will all work out. I had a bad day the same day. Makers blame it in air pollution.
In times like these, I always force myself to look forward. Looking back makes me question things I can’t change so best to forget and smile.