You ever wish you had a magical clock that could give you more hours in the day… just on request?

I sure do.

As a busy working mom, time is precious so I must make the most of it. Managing my time is less of a balancing act and more of an act of integration act.

According to a contributing article on Forbes, “work-life integration focuses on incorporating the different area’s of one’s life to create a whole picture.”

Can you relate?

Here is just an example of one of my day.

Before Work

The alarm clock goes off at 4:30 a.m.. I get up and do 5 minutes of meditation … then I go put a load of laundry in the washing machine, put on some work out clothes and go out to the pool house for my morning cardio.

After 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, I take one load of laundry out the washer transfer it to the dryer and then put another load in the washing machine. Then 
I go jump in the shower. I give myself approximately 15 minutes in the bathroom and then I turn into super mom. I have 3 kids at 3 different stages of life. I have a 13 month old that requires mommy for everything. I have a 7 year old that can wash up herself but usually needs mommy to help make clothing decisions (unless I want her wearing a sundress when it is 40 degrees outside) and making her lunch. Then I have a 12 year old that is pretty independent and usually only needs mommy to help with hair and to take her to school.

At 6:00am, I am washing and dressing the baby, making breakfast, making lunches, preparing sippy cups, etc. With children having to arrive at school at 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, the morning becomes the mad dash.

At Work

Once the kids are off to school, I “transition” into work mode, although I really never transition because I am always mommy.

Depending on the day, I may head to the office, I may head to city hall or I may head to court. Regardless of where my first stop is, my day is usually filled with meetings, client appointments, answering emails and returning phone calls. I sometimes try to slip in a walk, spa time or lunch with my hubby, whenever I can.

At the End of the Work Day

Around 4:30pm the office day starts winding down and I start picking up kids and head to the house.

We cook dinner, take baths, do homework and then do some family time before bedtime.

Once kids are in bed and I have an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the day, I am usually amazed at how much I got done in a day. As I think about how I got the things done that I needed to, I recognize that time management, setting priorities and taking time for myself are key to accomplishing what I need to do.

Before I go to bed, I take time while the house is still to peep in on by babies. As they lie there, I am reminded why I do what I do. In the midst of a crazy world, my family gives me hope. They give me motivation. And they inspire me to keep pushing.

I know it’s not possible to add more hours to the day, which is why it is so important to use the ones I have wisely. Knowing what I have to do and why I am doing it helps keep things in perspective for me.

I know I am not the only one with a crazy schedule, so I am writing this to let you know that you are not alone.

[ctt template=”5″ link=”80e3U” via=”no” ]But instead of feeling stressed or overwhelmed on what you have to do, celebrate the things you are able to accomplish and always be grateful for the time you have with the ones you love.[/ctt]

But instead of feeling stressed or overwhelmed on what you have to do, celebrate the things you are able to accomplish and always be grateful for the time you have with the ones you love.

In the end, that is all that matters.