It was not that many years ago that my timeline consisted of 2 categories: the school year and summer. I swore I would never go back to such a schedule but here I am, operating yet again in a 2-category style schedule but I’ve added a few things to help keep things complicated and spicy.

When I began my job working for school-aged children, I did not yet have a child of my own, an ever-growing farm, or own my own business.

Times look different these days and with that being said, I can confidently say, “we did it” and by “it” I mean survived.

Shockingly, I found myself much less all over the place this week than I had anticipated. I’m chalking that up to a few things.

1. Meal Prepping and planning. I do want to elaborate on that because it’s not what you think. I didn’t batch cook a plethora of the same food to heat and eat throughout the week. I more just prepared particular ingredients like bacon bits, chopped herbs, dips, and pasta that made it so easy for me to throw together my breakfasts and lunches.
2. Cleaning out my car. I’ll be there first to admit I have “Mom Car”. It’s busy–I carry life, animals, groceries, animal feed, sippy cups of milk, and loose change in my car at any given time. When I get home, rarely do I have the 10 arms I need to carry it all. Thus, things get a little crazy. Cleaning out my car somehow made my brain feel less cluttered and that has made all the difference.
3. Utilizing my planner. You know, the thing I buy every year only to tuck away into a dark corner and forget about. Turns out they are really helpful.

The week has brought it’s own challenges and frustrations but I’m celebrating the transition back into “busy season”. My heart feels grateful for all that we’ve accomplished and the track we are on.

As for the farm, she keeps providing. In between all the adulthood, I’ve found myself with a basket full of sweet potatoes, okra, herbs, watermelon, and cherry tomatoes in the evenings. My version of a night cap, if you will.

Do I find it challenging to balance it all? Perhaps if I were to weigh it against the full length of my never ending and ever-growing to-do list but my method is mindfulness and remaining present. I address the task that is directly in front of me, negating all that could plague my mind with necessity and then keep marching.

Happy Friday, blog friends. I hope you find this weekend to be serendipitous.