Up until September of last year, I was a full time work-at-home mom. I was thankful for the opportunity to be able to work at home rather than having to work outside the home, but it definitely wasn’t an ideal situation. I was neglecting my family as well as myself during that time. Thankfully, I was able to transition from that full time position to a contract position (where I can work only as much as I want and only when I want). When I transitioned out of my full time work, I really thought that I would have so much more time to do everything I wanted to do.
I was reflecting on how many blog posts I’ve averaged over the past few years, and I noticed that, overall, I’ve blogged a lot less this past year. It hasn’t been that I haven’t had things to write about, but rather, I think because I’ve been busying myself with so many more things that I wanted and needed to do for our family as well as for myself.
I’ve been able to spend more time focused on the kids. I’ve been cooking a lot more, and not only cooking, but learning new techniques and preparing more things from scratch. I’ve been regularly attending (and even teaching) Ladies Bible Class. I’ve had time to read (love my Nook!). I’ve been able to be involved more in the student center work where my husband is the campus minister. I’ve been able to generally keep the house in better order. I’ve had time to work on starting my photography business (which, by the way, is not replacing my full time work). I’ve had time to work on cleaning out things in the house (although I feel like this process is never-ending, perhaps because I feel like I’m cleaning out and organizing from years of neglect in the house). I’ve had time to actually sit back and breathe. I’m not nearly as stressed or overwhelmed as when I was working full time.
I admit that the transition from my work-at-home life to stay-at-home life hasn’t always been easy, and I need to do better in many aspects. Life is still busy and crazy. But, I am doing so many things that I had wanted to do for so long and just hadn’t physically had the time to do. I’m getting to be the stay-at-home wife and stay-at-home mama I’ve always wanted to be. I love it!