“Balance”
It’s one of my favorite words. Each year, instead of a resolution, I choose a word or phrase to stick with me throughout the coming months and guide me in my choices for work and personal life. Last year, that word was “balance.” I’m really proud of the plans I put into action to make a balance possible and I really wanted to share some because I know there are so many who struggle with guilt, regret, lack of time, stress and so much that comes from not doing enough of the things you love.

And I don’t just mean that your personal life should be some magical goal of 50% or 80% of your world. I mean that whatever your needs are in one given day or week or month that you can achieve those without sacrificing too much of the things you love.

Here are three ways I keep a little peace between Wendy the Woman, the Momma, the Wife, the Photographer, the Advocate, the Business Owner, the Friend, the Neighbor, the Helper… and so many more titles.

1. Schedule more than just work and the must-dos.

I start with a planner that I love. (I also use Google Calendar and share that with my husband to keep us on the same page at home) I’ve tried a lot of planners, but the one I love the most — for looks, accessories, layout and durability — is the Simplified Planner by Emily Ley. I also splurge on some fun, multi-colored pens and color-code the heck out of my world. I’m such a visual person that having colors for different things (photography, kiddos, visitors, doctors appointments) makes things so much clearer to me, especially if I’m looking at it from a perspective of balance.

Once I’m set up with a great system, I schedule non-work things FIRST and far in advance. Yep, that’s right — first comes my family, even in my planner. I put in things like kids’ activities and trips and vacations. Then — and this may be the most important part of this step — I block out days and weekends (and sometimes, weeks) that are all mine/ours. I block one weekend each month that can’t be touched (usually) – these weekends are for the four of us to do everything we wish or nothing at all, but to do it together. No photo sessions, no Ladies’ Nights, no plans. This has been LIFE-CHANGING. This time is all mine and it’s something special and something to look forward to when I’m busy with work and commitments. It’s a great reset, too.

2. Get help for things you don’t enjoy.

There are some things you have to do that you just don’t love — as a parent and as a business owner — I have to do laundry (although I do ask my kids to help with that as part of their chores), for instance. But there are certain things that I dislike so strongly and that take up my time that could be used elsewhere. These things can sometimes be given to others who are better at them or enjoy them more than you.

One of the things I started doing this year was using a grocery delivery service. Hands-down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. By the time I drive nearly 20 minutes to my preferred grocery store, shop, load up the car, drive home, unload the car, unload all the bags and put things away, I could have lost two hours easily. That’s two hours that could have gone into my business or two hours that could have been my gift to myself for reading or hiking.

I use Instacart — you just enter your location, choose your favorite qualifying local store, create your list and submit. You can choose alternatives for items in case they’re out of stock and I have had some awesome shoppers who will communicate things with me during the shopping. I even made a note that my groceries can be left on our front porch in case I’m on the phone. After a few trips, the app starts to save your favorite or commonly-shopped items which makes it even easier to start your next list.
Bonus Tip: Combine Instacart with a coupon app like Ibotta and you can *make* a few bucks just by having someone else do your grocery shopping!

When it comes to my business, the things I love are the things that bring me closest to my clients and nurturing them — the sessions, the editing, the galleries, even the blogging. But I hate, hate, hate having to worry about keywords and SEO and the things that make my website and info better and found easier online — for those things, I ask for help. I’ve been using a virtual assistant, Kristina Dowler, for a few months now and it has been such a gift to me and my business. Again — more time for things that matter most.

3. A little routine goes a long way.

One more way I’ve brought balance into my world in the past couple of years is a simple thing — routine.
I love a healthy dose of spontaneity but by adding structure first, I’m given open pockets of time and energy later to throw in a last-minute hike or an unexpected visit to family.

My workouts? First thing in the morning so I get them done and take care of me first.

Getting things ready for the kids’ next day of school? I do things like lunches and water bottles immediately when they get home from school. Old waters out, new waters in. Lunches out, emptied, cleaned and refilled and in the fridge for the next day.

My edits for sessions? Always on the next business day after a session. This way my clients get their photos back quicker and I can move on to other things.

Mondays and Tuesday evenings are typically busier for our personal schedules than the rest so I very, very rarely schedule any work after 3pm on those days.

A little routine goes a very long way in providing those open spaces to fill with things I love.

For some office supply items that keep me organized, visit here.
For some of my wish-list items for my cozy “me time” moments, try these ideas.