I have realized that in other parts of my life it's sorta like picking 2 out of 3.
Planning your dinner? cheap, fast, healthy: pick two (no, going to Subway is not considered 'cheap' in my realm). Finding a place to live? cost, location, safety: pick two.
Now that I'm trying to figure out the balance of being a working (outside the home) mom, I have a new dilemma: see/take care of your family, take care of yourself, take care of your house: pick two?
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Of course I would love to do all three, but I know the difficulty of that. I was raised by two working parents, and they did a great job of taking care of us. However, we had a cleaning lady for the house part (it still was pretty messy on those off-weeks), and I really don't think either of my parents did a great job of taking care of themselves. My dad now goes to the gym every morning bright and early, but it was long overdue and he has more health issues to overcome now.
I know I will put my family first, but I feel like I need to choose the second piece. It wasn't that hard to decide, but it may be harder to execute. I will put my health above having a clean house. Let me repeat: my health is more important than a clean house.
When you really think about it, someone else can come clean my house (if we have the money or I beg my MIL or whatever), but nobody else can run 3 miles for me. This will involve more sacrifices on my part, either getting up to get to the gym when it opens at 5am or staying up later to work out after Cora is in bed. Working out was easy when I was a full-time SAHM because it was part of our routine. Every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9am, like clockwork. Hopefully I can get into some sort of groove with a schedule and not burn myself out.
Have you ever had to pick two?
Sidenote: I just found out there is a word for this, and it is called a trilemma. Mind = blown.
Trilemma is a great word! I think you're right on with this. I think that your health comes before a clean house too! Plus, B can help around the house and C as she gets older:)
ReplyDeleteYay for picking health over a clean house! And since you are no longer a SAHM, I don't see any reason why house work can't be split between you and B - but that brings up all kinds of other issues . . . It is tough though and I think that the trilemma situation is something that a lot of people deal with ..
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I've been thinking about you since I read your last post and praying that things have been transitioning smoothly for everyone. AND, and, and - how's the new job? Are you really enjoying it? :)