One Day At A Time...

(5-7 min read)

Thriving?

My entire life I was always involved in extra curricular activities. There was always a band, dance team, choir, school event, talent show, worship team or some other external variant that kept me disciplined, consistent and goal oriented. My work ethic and ability to perform under pressure still thrives in those types of settings to this day.

The Deception...

It wasn’t until recent years, after settling into becoming a mother, that I realized how deceived I actually was about my work ethic. You see, when you’re growing up involved in so many activities and then eventually joining bands and working with others at high performance levels, there’s a certain type of work ethic that definitely gets produced, but because of all these external factors, I never had developed an independent work ethic. You know, the kind that causes you to build and create something from nothing, out of your own volition and desire, regardless if others are involved, not interdependent on someone else’s timeline or vision. Just solely from you and your ambition. That was never my story…until now.

The Crossroads...

Parenthood has a great way of revealing holes in your own personal development. Maybe it’s because you start to see things in your kiddos (good AND bad, let’s be real) that you realize they got from you. 🙄🤣 Or maybe it’s when you’re teaching them important lessons on conflict resolution, emotional management or communication skills and you get hit with the revelation that you never actually developed these things yourself. Once you have that “aha” moment there’s 2 ways you can decide to handle it; confront and change it or leave it be and continue to lack in that area. I choose the first option. Not only were the above scenarios a reality for me, something else I learned was that I’ve struggled a lot with inconsistency.

The Consistent Inconsistency...

I don’t know about you guys but I’ve had a tendency to start strong but fall off after the initial excitement wears out and not finish well. But in this new season of juggling 5 babies, marriage, ministry, music and entrepreneurship, I no longer have the luxury of living in unorganized, inconsistency. I’m talking from the most basic things like having a consistent routine for laundry and meal planning to making time for creativity, practicing and so much more. And we CAN'T forget date nights on the regular. 🥰🙌🏼

This juggle is not something I have experience in or a reference for, but I’m determined to get it done and do it well. I want to ensure that I’m no longer just starting strong but FINISHING strong as well. I’m learning something new every day.

Reflection...

1. I’ve learned the incredible benefit that comes from simply writing things down.

Whether it’s in my schedule or journaling, being a note taker has helped me immensely when it comes to my personal growth and time management accountability.

2. Another super important lesson that I had to embrace (and am still learning to embrace some days) is being okay with whatever progress is made.

Moving Forward...

Whether I consider it minimal or great, it’s still progress. And in this season, forward progression is the goal. No more stagnation. So I have to be careful to not get overwhelmed or frustrated with myself if I feel like it was a day that wasn’t as productive as I set out for it to be. As long as some things get checked off the to do list each day, progression is the name of the game.

Although the goal is to ultimately get everything checked off the list for each day, my personal growth meter isn’t based on the list itself. In this season my growth is being measured by remaining consistent and disciplined with the implementation of these practical steps, that keep me accountable to daily progress over an extended amount of time. Not just having one great day here and there.

Hydration Station...

 The picture attached to this post is a great depiction of a grace and patience, progress over perfection moment. Here I was diving back in, working out my hands with a practice pad and sticks, laundry calling my name, watching tv with my husband, and all of a sudden I had to stop practicing to feed my baby girl. “The juggle.”

I call the picture “the hydration station” because I had to feed Ariyah and at the same time remind myself to drink my greens and pour back into this body that pours out so much.

Some days it feels like an impossible undertaking to carry it all and embark into this uncharted territory, but lots of days I feel like a champ. You know, the “Rocky III” kind. IYKYK 😏🥊

Cheers!

SO CHEERS TO MY FIRST BLOG! 🥂 This is todays step forward. I’m so excited to bring y’all into this part of my world and to share tips that have helped me in hopes that they are helpful to you as well!

Even though I’m busier than ever, every day I remind myself that if it’s on my plate, God has graced me to handle it. And He’s with me in it, making it possible.

So I want to encourage you with the same thing. Whatever comes your way today, whatever your “juggle” is, take a slow, deep breath and know you’ve got this.

Push yourself but don’t pressure yourself. 

Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!

Love & Light…
Hannah