I Quit My Job

I don’t know if it works the same in your family, but around here everyone seems to do whatever Mom is doing. If I’m resting everyone will pile on the couch. If I go outside before long everyone has followed me out. It’s nice to feel so loved, but it comes with great responsibility. If I’m neglecting exercise then the rest of the family does too. If I’m eating junk food everyone else does too.

We recently took a drastic step in the fight to get our family healthy. I quit my part-time job so that I can focus on planning and cooking healthy meals. I know that sounds ridiculous, but meal planning doesn’t come naturally to GBD or myself. We REALLY struggle in this area. It’s so much easier to eat out than it is to plan, shop, prepare, serve, and clean up afterwards. And most of the time eating out is cheaper too. But I do not want my children to grow up thinking that eating out 3 meals a day is normal. I want them to have warm memories of their Mom providing great tasting (and secretly healthy) meals for them. So we bit the bullet and let go of the extra income. It was a tough decision, but I know we made the right choice.

I’ve also changed my priorities when it comes to daily activities. In the past if someone needed something I would push myself and my family to the backburner while I handled their situation. I would obsess about finishing whatever it was to the point my family didn’t get fed and my children had to entertain themselves all day. Oh what was I thinking? NOTHING is THAT important!

Now, my first priority is to take care of myself- physically, mentally, and spiritually. Second, I focus on making sure my family has healthy meals to eat. Third, I make sure I sincerely pay attention to my children and husband when they talk to me or need something. THEN comes taking care of and dealing with everyone else. Life is so much more enjoyable now that I have my thinking straightened out.

And you better bet I’m on the defense for when people ask me to volunteer for something. Umm…No, thanks. It’s really hard to say no, but until I can get an efficient system for meal planning and preparation down there’s no way I’m compromising. You live and learn. Live and learn.