It doesn't really kick in until January, but I am now officially a stay-at-home-Mum. I know that it's the right thing for me, and I'm incredibly lucky to be able to stay at home with the children. But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to find it difficult. I was browsing through StumbleUpon the other night (it's brilliant!) and I came across this website Suburban CEO (page no longer available). I read many things here that really struck a chord with me.
In particular, I was very taken with this chart showing how the life of a stay at home mother has changed (link no longer available unfortunately) over the last century or so, and why women staying at home with children can now find it very difficult. The website then goes on to talk about the five things that are missing in modern life, and how we can replace those missing pieces - community, goals, support, money and leadership. Even if you are a Mum that doesn't stay at home full-time with the children I'd really recommend visiting the site. It doesn't take long to read through and get the gist of it, and I think that it is relevant to everyone. I certainly experienced the same issues when I was working part-time.
One of the most important recommendations on the site is having projects, in particular short term projects - a goal that can be achieved within three months. I really like the idea of setting out some things that I would like to challenge myself to achieve, and being able to tick them off when they are done with a sense of accomplishment. This idea reminded me of something else that I had read about - The Day Zero Project. This is a self-created list of 101 challenges to be completed within 1001 days.
So I am combining ideas that I have picked up from both these websites, and I have set up my very own list of 101 Things in 1001 Days. Bearing in mind that overseas travel to exotic destinations is probably out for the next few years, all of my goals are very simple and should be easily achievable if I just get on with them. Some go back to interests that I had before children, and some are things that will help me to be more organised in the future. Some are things for myself, some are for me and the children, some are for me and my husband and some are for our whole family. Some will take a few minutes to complete and some will take a lot longer. There will certainly be no excuse for sitting around on an evening and thinking that I have nothing to do!
You can see my list here 101 Things in 1001 Days, and I'm going to create a page on the blog to track my progress. I'm really motivated to complete the list so I'll see how I go - I have until the 20th August 2015!
Have you started the Day Zero Project? I'd love to know what you think about the idea!
101 things seems like a lot! I have a hard enough time getting through my normal to-do list. But I can see how it's a good idea. When you're at home all the time you do get bogged down with the day-to-day, it's good to have longer term goals (but not too long term, things you can actually achieve). Designing and selling knitting patterns meets those needs to me. I don't think you're the type to let yourself get bored anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot, but there is a long time to complete the list. Also, some of my things can be done in minutes (and a few can be combined!). I will have a tremendous sense of achievement if I manage to complete it!
DeleteI agree with Anna, I can't believe you found time to work with all the projects you seem to do. Thanks for the link to the website - I wish I'd read that around a year ago !
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I'm still finding my identity with one child at home, but the hardest day at home with my son still beats the best day at work in the office :o)
Well I only worked part time, and I'd only actually been back for a few months after maternity leave! I agree, even a hard day at home is more fun and rewarding than a day sitting at my desk.
DeleteGoodness that is a lot of things to do in 1001 days. It will be a real achievement xx
ReplyDeleteI hope so!
DeleteI like it! Point 2 is one of my favourite things to do! You will get burnt on point 18. Point 90 will seem like a good idea until you get on it and its too late to turn back, if my experience of Zooropia is anything to go by!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to do Go Ape for ages but I don't know how I'll get on with it, I may well regret it! Zooropia looks fantastic!
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm now a SAHM (currently waiting for number 2 to arrive in 5 weeks)
I find keeping myself motivated really hard, so I think I might have a go at the challenge :)
Off to read the article now, thanks for sharing and good luck with your list xx
I've found it a brilliant way to motivate myself so far, I've already ticked off three things! I would love to see your list if you have a go yourself!
DeleteWhat a great post. I've been home since my second was born nearly 8 months ago but I'm on maternity leave until March - but about to hand my 3 months notice in so am thinking a lot about being a stay at home mum/working freelance and how working outside the home has influenced my identity (there's a blog post stewing in here somewhere!) so your post has struck a cord! I love the idea of short & achievable challenges and read yours with interest :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Being a stay at home Mum does affect your identity I think, or at least you have to make an effort to make sure that it doesn't.
DeleteYou've inspired me! I'm working on my own list.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope that you will share your list when it's finished!
DeleteOoh what a fab post, I really need to find some focus, time just seems to escape me. I'm going to go and read the link now :) x
ReplyDeletehttp://imalsoamum.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you! I'd really recommend the link, it's a good read.
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