Keeping it in balance

One thing about the care giving life that is SO difficult is finding balance. I have tendency to fixate on things.

I fixate on:

care giving activities
computer time
sewing
cooking
organizing
visiting with friends
watching t.v. or movies

It's like I get tunnel vision and take things out of balance. If I decide I want to watch a movie, sometimes I'll go over board and think: three movies would be more fun.

Or I'll decide to clean out a closet and then start going crazy and organize three closets, dresser drawers, the pantry and paperwork.

Or instead of just inviting one couple over for dessert, I'll call several friends over and spread them out to visit over the next week.

The trouble with this is that I end up exhausted.

So, I'm learning that I don't have to go overboard with things. I can take one thing at a time. I can slowly go through the house/closets/drawers and clean a bit. I can watch a movie and turn it off and move on. I can enjoy a visit with a friend and wait a week to invite another friend over next week. I don't have to do everything all at once.

I need to strive for balance.....

There is no need to loose perspective and go all crazy, now is there??

Change doesn't happen overnight, but I'm seeing some improvement. I'm writing out my priorities and seeing what it is that is MOST important.

1. Taking care of my Dear Hubby.

2. Caring for my Dear Younger Daughter, schooling her and making sure her needs are met.

3. Keeping up with basic household needs: laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping.

4. Spending time with friends and loved ones. Getting built back up emotionally and mentally so I can go on.

5. Plan for the long term, but focus on the short term.

6. Take time to relax and enjoy our time together. Who knows how long Dear Hubby and I have together. I don't want to have regrets.