My two new co-workers

minimalistmommy@organizingconnection.com — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:00:16 GMT

I am now officially a SAHM. I recently gave my notice to my wonderful employer and will not be returning when my year of maternity leave is up. Gulp! This was a major decision for me as I have been working outside of the home since the age of 15. Of course the worry about finances was a factor in deciding whether or not to return but there were other concerns as well. I never doubted I would return after my first child turned one so I did not have to deal with these concerns during his first year. For this child I started contemplating this decision when he was 6 months old and went over ever scenario possible in an effort to make up my mind. Part of the reluctance was of course the finances or lack thereof and obviously there is nothing better than raising your own child but there was also that small fear of losing part of my identity. I always had a job and one that I put everything into, one that I came home tired but at the same time fulfilled. Would I have this same feeling staying home all day with the kids? No more office, work clothes, business meetings, travelling, hotels, luncheons, AGM's, business cards and for the most part the satisfaction of helping people that need it most as I worked as a credit counsellor. Logically I knew that raising kids was going to be the most important job I would ever take on but why was it then I hesitated and worried I would be missing out? I then had an Oprah "Aha moment" I was sitting at the table discussing these concerns with my DH and he looked at me and said "You have to make it your job Niki and do it as good as you would if you were working at any other job" Although very simple and logical it changed my whole outlook on the decision to be made and shaped who I am today as a full time SAHM.

I immediately started to structure my day as I would any other office environment. I started to create lists and schedules, not only for me but the kids as well. Every day had items to be accomplished and what others may consider small and insignificant were now important tasks to be tackled and ultimately crossed off. Items as simple as making the bed upon waking up, dark wash, bread making and structured play dough time were penciled in and followed. I spent the evenings scouring books, blogs and sites on homemaking and other related topics and in no time I started to feel my spirits rise. Although many may view these jobs as minor and not really important in the big scheme of things I now see them as crucial. I try to perfect as many areas of homemaking as I can, from child activities to create, to cooking/ culinary skills as well as feeding my family. I perfected my gardening and canning skills as well as my bread making and crafting abilities. My children started to crave the structure I set forth and honestly, so did I. Often I have heard the term "Make your home a haven" and never before this revelation did I truly know what they meant. I take pride in how I set my home up, how it is cleaned and organized. I meticulously make up cleaning schedules, meal plans and play dates to maximize my time and make the most out of each day. Part of my job is to not only look after the general running of our operation I am also responsible to ensure I am doing everything possible to make the most out of my husbands hard earned pay. No more throwing away money on unnecessary stuff and what we do purchase has been carefully thought out and decided on together.

Although some days like any other job become mundane and I find myself questioning my decision, I try to focus on one day at a time. I do my job to the best of my ability and go to bed each night knowing tomorrow is a new day and I will make it the best day I possibly can....

Ps the fringe benefit of this job is you have the two cutest co-workers possible with plenty of hugs and kisses, you can't say that about most jobs.

The Organizing Blog

My two new co-workers