One of the top questions I get is “how do I do it all?”
I can see how, from an outside perspective, it seems like I do “do it all.” A job I love, working on a PhD, a great family, a blogging career. It may even seem like I do it easily. I feel a large part of my having the flexibility to do what I do comes from having a strong and healthy family, as well as an incredible support network of family and friends.
But it takes it’s toll. And for me, that often comes in the form of getting sick. Historically, this sickness has been in the form of the common cold. I work, work, work, and work, then catch a cold, my body’s way of telling me to slow down. So I rest for a day or two, then am fine and back at it.
However, I’ve noticed a change in this pattern recently. My sicknesses are coming much more often, and they are more, shall we say, diverse. Consider that in the past 3 months, I have:
- had a stye
- lost my voice
- had strep throat
- had the flu…which I’m currently fighting as I write this post.
I know this means something needs to change. Fortunately I know that some things will change when the school semester ends in 7 weeks. Although I’ll still be busy over the summer, but my time won’t be as fragmented with no coursework or GTA responsibilities. Knowing that helps.
But I am also a believer that you need to listen to your body and my body is telling me that what I’m doing now isn’t working. So I’ll be doing some self-reflection to try and identify what I need to change to keep myself healthy.
But for now, after a few days rest, I’ll be up and at it with my writing, reading, teaching, emailing, and everything else involved in my working, PhD seeking, mommy life that I love.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Kimberly,
Watch out for that. I did the same thing when I worked at my children’s school because I did not know how to say no. I began to get sick often and in ways I never got sick before. I like to be busy, but I also like to have time for my kids (after this school year I will only have 1 left in high school – they can do more, but it is always important to know who is around your child) I still have to be careful of not taking on too much and sometimes , as hard as it is, go with those times when it is a little slow.
Antoinette
Hi Kimberly, I just found your web-site. I’m a private practice MT (w/employees), mom of 3 boys and am headed back to school this fall for a PsyD after completing a double MBA. So I totally know what your life must be life. One thing I have to keep telling myself is how am I refueling? We give so much to everyone and everything that we give until there is nothing left. So in order to keep giving (because we love it) we have to refill our spirits. What are some things you like to do just for YOU? For me, it’s playing my flute, or even taking a moment to listen to a song all by myself (even if it just means walking out of the house and sitting in the backyard). I, too, find myself sick when my own cup is empty! Good luck!
Thank you for reaching out, Karen! And wow…seems we definitely need to compare notes on the working/schooling/mommying front 🙂 Congrats on the double MBA and best of luck with your PsyD! What an adventure! ~Kimberly
Thank you, Antoinette. I have gotten better about saying “no” and slowing down at times…but I’m a work in progress 🙂 I appreciate your support! ~Kimberly
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