My ability to balance work and family has been seriously put to the test lately. I’m sure you’ve been there, or are possibly feeling the same way now. There are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that needs to be done. You’re feeling pulled in ten million directions at once and if one more thing is added to your plate you just might explode. Even finding time for some sort of stress relieving outlet feels impossible. That’s about where I am right now. It’s a miracle that I’m even writing this post right now. Then again, it’s after 11:00 pm on a weeknight and I’m typing away on my laptop in bed, in the dark, and so jealous of my husband who’s now sleeping. Sigh.

Oh, sleep. How I miss you.

There are some things that are keeping me sane right now:

1. Technology – I always have my cell phone with me so I rely on it a lot to stay organized. I use my notes app to keep running lists of things I need to remember, grocery lists, etc. Relying on memory alone is so risky these days. Using my calendar for appointments and setting reminders is also a huge help. The last thing I need right now is to forget about my kid’s doctor’s appointment or preschool open house.

2. Lots and lots of coffee. Caffeine really does wonders for my productivity and I’m convinced that I honestly could not survive without it.

3. Support from my husband – working longer hours and late, or missed, dinners is hard enough without being given a guilt trip for it. I’m lucky my husband is understanding and willing to take charge at home making dinner, doing laundry, giving the kids a bath when I’m stuck at the office.

4. Did I mention coffee?

5. Slapping that mommy guilt in the face. Or at least trying my best to. You know those little thoughts that creep up on you like bad indigestion like “I’m not spending enough time with my kids” or “I’m a bad mom for letting my kids watch this much TV just so I can get some things done around the house.” None of us are perfect. We do the best we can and sometimes that just has to be good enough.

Some days are more balanced than others. But at the end of each day, as long as my girls know how much I love them, that is all that matters.