Monday, November 28, 2011

I'm A Mommy, Not A Mompreneur (Part 1)

In the movie Soul Surfer, Bethany Hamilton's youth pastor tells her that sometimes all we need is to pull back from a situation to get some perspective on it. That's happened to me with blogging.

I love to write. I remember sitting in my bedroom, probably as young as six or seven, writing stories in notebooks I'd keep. In college, I majored in communications and minored in psychology and religion. I envisioned myself going into broadcast news and wanted to make it to the top. But I didn't see how that could fit with my other goal of being a wife and mother, and perhaps someday having a writing and speaking ministry.

God worked it all out. I did work as a journalist for a few years before deciding to trade in my career for a new career: Mommy. Honestly, even the tightest deadline (even a minute to air) is still not as challenging as motherhood can be some days. But what I am doing with my kids has value that reaches far beyond the impact of any news story.

For me, blogging has been a great way to continue to express my love for writing and my desire to encourage other moms. I tried to blog daily. But honestly, I just can't keep up. Not in this season, at least.

I know there are plenty of talented women who run successful, profitable blogs. Would I love to be in that category with them? Yes, and no. I think, if we're honest, we all want what we're doing to translate into some measurable success. But getting to that point takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. Right now, I can't do it. I can't devote the time it would take to write and market my humble blog and keep up with what I need to do at home, and most of all--raise my children. They're little now. They need lots of time and attention--attention I can't be giving them if I'm giving it to my computer.

Honestly, I don't know how other moms of small children (especially moms who say they homeschool) are finding time to be "mompreneurs." Either they have out-of-this-world organizational skills, or something's falling through the cracks.

As I've been mulling over posting on this topic, I just read what Sally Clarkson wrote and knew it was time for me to start this discussion here.
"Last Spring, I met with a young woman. She said, as many young women have said, “Sally, God is just opening so many doors for me, I just have to be a good steward of my opportunities.” (as her exhausted teen daughter was pushing her toddler in a stroller behind her, and complaining that her mom just never had time for her.) This happens to me a lot–young women who have stars in their eyes from money that can be made, audiences that can be found, numbers that can build up. [bold mine]


I have never had more opportunities come my way as now, but I do not like what I see going on in my heart and soul, and so, I am convicted that I need to cut back. I am pulling back from expectations. Pulling back from stress. And simplifying."--http://www.itakejoy.com/im-just-not-that-important/
That's what I've been realizing: I need to forget about trying to be big as a blogger and focus fully on what I'm called to do at home, as a wife and mother. It's my first and highest calling. It keeps me busy! It is, after all, a full-time job in itself.

I love what Paul writes, "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:4-5). The study note says, "Paul suggests that we focus instead on our own responsibilities. Are we faithfully living for God and fulfilling our responsibilities before him?"

I'll be blogging more about motherhood and mompreneurship in the next few days--just can't promise it will be tomorrow! (Part 2 is now up)

6 comments:

  1. I agree with you Cheryl! I have no idea how some moms do it! I love blogging too, a total release of my writer's side..but, I do not have the time to dedicate beyond what I blog about- homeschooling and mothering. I love pintrest, haha, but my goal is one craft a MONTH= I just can't keep up...and I"m ok with that :)

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  2. This is a great post. I have tried so many things & yet God draws me back to my main purpose...mom, wife, homemaker. My kids are both in school now (K & 2nd)so this year I tried again to take on "stuff"...substitute teaching, applying to grad school, writing a cookbook....and God showed me again that I can't do it all. And I think He really wants me to focus on one of those opportunities, not ALL of them at once. So, I'm staying home even though my kids are in school. Getting things done, so I can be mom as soon as they walk in the door, and trying one of the opportunities. :) Thanks for your honesty!

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  3. I have been freelance writing from home for 11 years - as a local community news correspondent. However it doesn't bring in alot of money. Unfortunately we have had a terrible year financially -- husband's employer went bankrupt at the end of January without notice. Since then, he has worked a total of 5 jobs (one for only 4 days)and has had 2 month long periods of unemployment...and a bout of pneumonia when he couldn't work. That said to say that I am beginning to feel that I have no choice but to go out into the workforce to help pay the basic bills and put food on the table. Probably not all the women who are seeking opportunities to earn money are doing it solely for their own gratification. There may be other reasons behind it. I know I look at others and wonder how they balance kids and work and seem to be doing it all well while I am struggling along with only two kiddos (6 and 12), a cluttered home and always feeling like I am flying by the seat of my pants! I know I can't do it all but the big question is, what should I be doing??!

    Denise in Saskatchewan

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  4. Thank you for writing that because sometimes I feel that way. There's only so much we can do and something has to give. My priority is to my husband and my family; as my Mom reminds me "it's not your season yet" and "your time will come". I have lots of hobbies that I'd love to try to turn profitable but I need to be patient and remember my priorities. Thank you!
    -Vanessa

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  5. I appreciate you Cheryl, thank you for sharing your heart.

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