I’ve always been a multi-tasker. I think most women are naturally good at juggling. Most of my “pre-mommy life” jobs required I oversee several projects at once. And I was great at it.
When my babies were born, I think I truly mastered the art of it. Breast-feeding a baby, while doing laundry, for instance. Not an easy task, but I did it like a pro. As my kids got older, I added more balls to my juggling act. With my second baby strapped to me, papoose style, I colored with my toddler, fed the dog, all while paying bills on-line. Pretty impressive.
My juggling hasn’t slowed down a bit. By 10am this morning, I realized I had already done more things than most people probably get done in an entire day. Two loads of laundry, folded and put away. I emptied the dishwasher. Wiped down one of the bathrooms (I had no choice about this chore – I have a 5-year-old son. I’m sure I don’t have to say more!). I fed the kids, the three dogs, the cat, and the two fish (I just realized I forgot to eat my own breakfast. I did have my morning cup of tea… that’s a non-negotiable for me). Okay, back to my morning… after everyone, with the exception of me, ate breakfast, I then went to the bank, Stop & Shop, the vitamin store, and the pet store. Typical Saturday morning errands.
I should add that I did all of this while refereeing my kids’ constant bickering, helping my daughter with her “URGENT” need to make a candle craft she just learned, and listening to my son point out every Thomas train he wants for his upcoming birthday. Did I mention, it’s only 10am???? And we still have a full day ahead.
I know I am not alone. Juggling is just what most moms need to do, or things don’t get done.
But lately I have have had a couple of problems with my juggling…
1. The more balls I add, the more I worry that one will drop.
2. The more balls I add, the less attention I give to each ball.
While “dropping a ball” could cause a problem, I actually worry more about the attention I am now not giving to each of my balls. Lately I half-listen to everyone. I am half-there. Half-present.
So my multi-tasking dilemma is to figure out how I can step back and juggle fewer balls. I need to try harder to be more present. Mastering the art of multi-tasking may have seemed easy. But this part is going to be harder. But important. As my kids get older, they need me more present. They need less of my “doing” and more of my “listening”.
So today, this master juggler is going to try to put down a few balls!