This is the last tip in my series, Time Management for Busy Moms. You can read a recap here.

This tip changed my life. I think that mastering it takes a lifetime, but even baby steps toward it, produce joy.

I was not a happy person for the first 5 years that I was a mom.  Angry, frustrated, and overwhelmed would have been better adjectives to describe me. I was not the mom that I should have been for my first 4 children. And, there is nothing that I can do to make it up to them.

Then, I became enlightened, (due to an encounter that I had after I ran away from home), and my attitude, emotions and actions began to change.

My encounter led me to this final, but vitally important tip:

‘T’- Trade the seemingly important for the eternal

This tip doesn’t mean that we stop doing the laundry, or washing the dishes, or paying taxes, or the zillions of other things that we do. For me, it means to be continually aware of what is really important, as I embark on all of the tasks that need to be done each day.

Instead of looking at my children’s needs as interferences  or obstacles in the way of getting things done, I now know that they are my highest priority, and greatest joy!

Planning times to play and cuddle became a priority.

If an opportunity arises to work on a relationship, but there is a task screaming at me to complete, I will work on the relationship first.

A secret to this new way to view life was finding ways to cut down on my daily work around the house!!

I’ll share some of the ways that I did that tomorrow!

Photo of my first grandchild!