On the surface, my life may appear to be picture-perfect. I have a loving partner, three amazing kids, a fulfilling job that I’m lucky enough to do from home, engaging hobbies, good health, a cozy home, and a supportive circle of friends and community. Oh, and we also home-school! When I list it all out like that, it sounds impressive, doesn’t it?
People often ask me how I manage to juggle everything, and my answer is always the same: “I don’t.”
This isn’t false humility. The truth is, I’m far from balancing it all—if anything, I’m juggling more than I can handle. The concept of balance seems to vanish the moment you become a parent. The idea that all the different aspects of my life could harmoniously align on a regular basis is, frankly, laughable. Sure, I do have strategies to keep things moving as smoothly as possible, but as any parent knows, “smooth sailing” is often just a fleeting illusion.
Whether you’re a working parent or a full-time caregiver, life is busy and filled to the brim. Instead of aiming for balance, I prefer to think of it as juggling—constantly moving, bouncing from one task to another, and shifting my focus while trying to stay on track. The balls are always flying in every direction, and just when I catch one, another is already on its way down.
When I assess my life, I can count at least nine primary “balls” that I’m constantly juggling: my marriage, parenting, home-schooling, work, hobbies, health, household responsibilities, friendships, and community involvement. Each of these aspects is essential and dear to me in its own way. Even my hobbies, which might seem trivial, are crucial for self-care, impacting all other areas of my life when neglected.
I’ll be honest: they all fall. Every day, at least one ball hits the ground. It’s part of the deal. Yes, I chose to take on these responsibilities, but none of them are optional. If I neglect my health, that directly affects my ability to manage everything else. If I stop home-schooling, I’d just be picking up another educational responsibility. My marriage and kids are non-negotiable—that’s a given. Work is both a necessity and a source of personal fulfillment, so that stays up in the air. I often drop the housekeeping ball, and while that makes juggling tougher, it’s somewhat manageable. The community ball sometimes hits the ground, but I want to keep it afloat for my kids’ sake. As for friendships, dropping those is not an option; they provide the energy I need to keep juggling.
So, there you have it. Nine balls in the air, with at least one falling almost daily. But here’s a fun fact: I checked the world record for juggling nine balls. Want to guess how long it is? Just 55 seconds. That’s right—a professional juggler can’t keep nine balls going for even a full minute!
So, if you feel like you’re perpetually dropping balls, or struggling to maintain balance in your life, don’t worry. It’s just part of being a parent. In reality, it’s even more complicated than I’ve described. Each child adds new dimensions to the juggling act, changing the size and shape of other responsibilities. Every relationship, work project, community event, and school obligation is another ball added to the mix. You have to constantly adjust and adapt—that’s the essence of juggling.
The secret lies in embracing the act of juggling itself. Don’t strive for perfection; even experts don’t juggle flawlessly forever. Aim to keep the balls in the air, but accept that some will inevitably drop. Just pick them back up and see if you can extend the time you keep them up next time. And remember, if you’ve managed to juggle for longer than 55 seconds, you’re already doing better than the pros! Keep going, fellow parents.
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Summary:
Juggling responsibilities as a parent can feel overwhelming, and the idea of achieving balance is often a myth. Instead of seeking perfection, it’s essential to embrace the act of juggling various commitments and accept that some will inevitably drop. Each parent’s experience is unique, and adapting to the constant shifts is part of the journey. Remember, if you manage to keep your balls in the air for longer than 55 seconds, you’re already ahead of the game!
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