Don't Let Things 'Just Happen'
© Barbara Massie
Q. Is it just me? I feel like I am cheating my family every year during the big selling season. My crafts take up so much of my time during the late summer and fall getting ready to sell at the craft shows. My house doesn't get cleaned as it should; meals are many times just fast food; I get burned out on Christmas items because I make so many and then I don't feel like decorating, buying gifts, baking cookies for the children and being "merry." We did get through the holidays again this year, but I hate how I feel. How do other people cope?
A. First, you have to set your priorities. The article Too Much Stress Takes Its Toll On Women will give you insight into what many experience. What do you really want? Do you want to be creative and make quality crafts to sell? Or, do you want to be the perfect wife and mother? Whichever is most important to you must take first place.
I certainly am not one to set your priorities. I can give you some hints on how to have some of both worlds. It's with that old term you have heard so often "Time Management." That always has an ominous sound to it, but it is a necessity.
If crafting is high on your list, you will have to decide how to have time to clean, cook and be part of the family. You will have to forget "Perfection." This isn't just "Holiday stuff", it can help you year-round.
It is surprising that if you sit and write down the time it takes to do some of the "chores", then list what you really must get done, you can fit most in during the week. Ex.: Making our bed takes me approximately two minutes and it makes the whole room look neat.
My Mother was right. Before you go to bed at night, walk around the house and put the noticeable things back into place, straighten towels, make sure the sink isn't full of dirty dishes and the next day will start out better.
When you do cook, make too much and freeze the leftovers for another meal. If school lunches must be packed, take time to make enough sandwiches for a week and freeze them. You only have to take out all the fixings one time.
My son and daughters grew up learning how to clean, cook, wash
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