Plan B & Pigpens
We won’t discuss the number of times I started this article or the number of times I was interrupted by children. The struggles I had trying to find something relevant to share. The frustration that brewed in attempting to balance between work and home life. My lack of confidence in believing I’m a businesswoman and not just a SAHM even though I’ve been one for almost 10 years and 15 years respectively. I’ve felt the deep doubt of my own self-worth and debated whether I’m able to sit at some of the tables I’ve been seated at these last few years.
Even though I’ve had my businesses, I’m still, at the forefront, a homesteading, homeschooling mom who will never turn down a coffee date wearing jeans, t-shirt, and ball cap.
Always a ball cap.
“It’s not what happens to you,but how you react that matters
-Epictetus”
In starting a family with five children, holding a few businesses under my belt, and homesteading, I’ve come to learn a few things that I continue to carry with me. There are times I have to remind myself of each one, but as long as I can stick close to these, I can keep myself out of trouble.
My mantras, life hacks, secrets to success, whatever you feel the need to call them are:
Make it work for you.
Always have a plan, but have a Plan B.
Do what works for you.
Make it work for you. Whatever it is, make it work. There have been times, my homesteading life has crossed over into my business life. Our five newest pigs insisted on exploring their new territory by breaking out of their pen. Every morning I was greeted by pigs in my front yard. Every morning we gently herded them back into their pen. Until one morning I was late for a potential wedding client. I energetically introduced myself as Amber who had spent the morning herding pigs. She laughed at my story and said, “Girl! I’m from Texas! I had pigs and those things are slippery!” We enjoyed coffee, brunch, and the new wedding I am now planning. Make it work. Flip it to a positive and make it work.
I’ve always loved the quote, “When life gives you lemons…”, but I appreciate so much more Laureny Loves’s take on the classic, “When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave the world wondering how you did it.” As an Event Planner and planner of all areas of my life, I always have a plan. More importantly, I have a Plan B. I’ve learned nothing in life is a guarantee. Your florist only delivered enough flowers for ten tables when you confirmed twenty-five? A quick trip to the local grocery store turns into the highest donating tables getting floral centerpieces, and the remaining fifteen get a delicate touch of Baby’s Breath to complete the centerpieces. Keep moving to the next letter until one works. The alphabet has 26 letters and there are no rules that say “A” has to be the one. Get a plan, work the plan, make orange juice.
Do what works for you. It sounds simple, but when you’re stuck in the merry-go-round of comparison, it can be hard to jump off that horse. I have found that starting my day at ten in the morning makes for a peaceful household. I am not a morning person and I stopped trying to pretend that I am or ever will be. I think more clearly after 9PM, have my best ideas, and the most motivation to get things done. Homeschooling taught me that I don’t have to start school at 8AM. I have my time to quickly go over emails, text messages, or any other work I need to do. The children have their free time. Then we come together to get to work- brunch, chores, school. JayDee Mahs said, “Some days, she has no idea how she’ll do it. But every single day, it still gets done.” Do what works for you, what brings you peace in doing it, and is the most efficient for you. If you need to talk, I’ll be up at midnight.
We need to always remember to keep who we are at the forefront. I am not an early riser. My work will be done at the stroke of midnight when most people turn into pumpkins. Once I embraced my inner night owl, I became much more efficient and productive. Remember our goal is our end result. Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D is how we get there. Our plan might change, but our goal does not. Last but not least, whatever comes at you, make it work.
Make it funny. Make it yours. Make it happen.