The sun is shining.
I have a card table in front of my office window, and I have an extra chair here. I’m going to take a photo in a moment, and I’m tempted to tidy up, but this is real life: the piles, the notebooks, the clutter that collects.
I haven’t worked at my desk much lately. It’s spring break, and I want to be near the girls, so I’ve set myself up in the living room, or at the kitchen table. I’ve been sitting out front while they scooter around the cul-de-sac, or on the back deck while they’ve played in the ravine.
The sounds of their laughter, happy shouts, and (sometimes) bickering is the soundtrack of my week.
This afternoon, my husband is off work. He’s in charge, and even though I’m in my office, I’ve chosen this seat by the window, in the sunshine.
My soundtrack: my favorite Pandora channels, on shuffle.
Despite my efforts to pace myself, I am sprinting ahead in life and business, lately — ironically, in the push to get more done, I’ve left my running shoes untouched.
I want to find that elusive balance of just-enough work and just-enough time to take care of myself and my family.
I want more moments like this one: peaceful music, the warmth of the sun, and a few minutes to write and reflect.
Tell me something! Where are you sitting this afternoon? What is your soundtrack? What moments are you enjoying? What elusive balance are you seeking? What balance have you found; where did you find it?
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Our plans are to make a spare bedroom into an office, but until then I like writing wherever I feel like being–kitchen, living room, outside watching my daughter ride her bike (also in the cul-de-sac). Sometimes I like the solitude, but sometimes I want to work where I can still be a part of the family. 🙂
My favorite soundtrack has become silence. My children are grown and live elsewhere. My newest plan is to knock down a wall, and convert 2 bedrooms to a library with all, well most, of my books in one place and a comfortable place to work.
Balance is always elusive. I should get more exercise, but neither my time nor frame of mind are “there” right now. So, I make an effort to eat consciously. We shall see. 🙂
It’s morning here in Colorado, but I’ll join the conversation.
A few weeks ago, I moved the desk in my office so it faced the window. No more back to the Colorado sunshine. I mean, what was I thinking–positioning my desk so I couldn’t look outside?
And I love Pandora too — although I need to go master the “shuffle” feature.
🙂