For years I have been a stay at home mom. I still am, to an extent, but find myself working outside the home more than I am home. The past 10 years I have been blessed to stay at home with my boys. A decision that was an easy one, for me. Now that all my boys are in school, it has been my desire to return to the classroom.
I am slowly transitioning into work life, the classroom, and juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, home life and working. It is a constant juggle and the struggle is real.
You may have noticed that there isn’t a whole lot of running inspiration going on here the past few weeks. My days are spent walking (or running) the halls of the local schools as I substitute teach and get my feet wet back in the classroom.
I miss running… but I miss teaching more.
I am finding a sense of purpose. My identity isn’t just mom, I also have a name. I have a reason to shower, look nice, and feel good about myself. I feel great.
The struggle comes with wanting to (and needing) to unwind and regroup… with a solid run.
Time. Work. Meetings. Obligations. Appointments. Responsibilities. Practices. Games.
There is always something that takes precedence over my run time.
Or… if I am being really honest … I am having a great hair day and I just don’t want to mess it up by getting hot and sweaty.
The struggle is a new juggle that I am working with.
I love where I am and what I am doing.
I am happy.
I miss running… and am finding that I have to get creative on when and how I get those runs in.
The struggle for me is finding balance with the new responsibility of work. Amazingly enough, to be completely honest, I am not as cranky as I thought I would be for not running! Ha!
I have to fight the inner battle and make the decision to head out for a run when the time allows. I am learning to not be a procrastinator because who knows when I will have time again.
Yesterday, I battled my inner self of not wanting to mess up my hair and face and chose wisely. Once I was out on the trails and in nature… all was right with the world. My lungs and legs were fresh and ready to run. My run cleared my head and heart. Running is good for my soul.
The struggle is real each and every day. The battle is there. Battle for time and attention. I am making an effort to make time when there is time available… and to not waste it.
Elizabeth Ferree says
I totally get what you are saying. For years I have said I want “my own time” and until recently I really didn’t get it. I’d have time when dropping off when kid or another but I always had the baby. Now I’ve decided at least once a month to try something new. This month I am doing an art class (cookies and canvas), I have no clue if I can even paint but I want to do something, meet other ladies my age, etc. I hope you can continue to make time to run and get into those classrooms again. Wish you luck.