Toughest Challenges?

Recently I asked the Making Work at Home Work blog ring bloggers this question:

What has been the toughest challenge you faced over the past year as a work-at-home mom and how did you solve it?

Over the next few posts I'll be sharing their responses!
Julie Arduini had this to say ...

Balance was my challenge as I transitioned to full time writer.

I assumed with both kids in school I could take my writing goals for the year and crank them out in two months. My plan also included daily trips to the YMCA, weekly meetings, and keeping up with the house work. By the end of September I was frustrated. I didn’t meet any major writing goals.

During that season we installed carpets and replaced furniture, a process that took longer than I wanted. Kids got sick. School and church groups called, knowing I was “free” all day with children in school. By Christmas I let myself stress trying to do it all and please everyone. I was impatient because I blocked my own goals with lack of balance.

I needed to break free from my perpetual hamster wheel.

Our senior pastor announced he was going to take a book that revolutionized his own life and use it for sermons, Sunday school classes and home group scenarios. I didn’t pay much attention because it seemed like more to do, and I was looking for a way to control what I already had going. The pastor went on to ask if I would lead the home group for women. The book was Peter Scazzero’s Emotional Healthy Spirituality.

I agreed to the group. My husband and I prepared the lessons for my group sessions. As we listened to the sermons and tackled the workbook, I learned essential principles to put my writing and my life back on track.

I’m still working through the book. I learned just because it’s for a good cause doesn’t mean I’m personally called to do it all. I’m reaching deadlines and creating additional projects. I’m experiencing Emotional Healthy Spirituality and am enjoying balance.

I’m a writer and public speaker encouraging audiences with the surrender platform. My website is http://www.juliearduini.com.


Thanks Julie! What about you - what has been your biggest challenge?