Where will I find the time?

Depending on who you talk to, some will say it's better to have your kids when you are young because you will be "young" parents and they will be out of the house while you still have lots of life ahead of you. Some say that it's better to wait and have lots of time to play while you are still young and you'll also be more financially secure when you are older.

Well, I waited simply because the timing wasn't right and I just hadn't been interested before. I have never been particularly maternal, but I always knew I would be a mom. I know I am a much better parent now than I would have been earlier in life, but I also feel like I had to sacrifice more. Yeah, yeah, I knew there would be sacrifice - I guess I just didn't know how much and how it would affect me.

I made the choice to be a stay-at-home mom. I am thankful for the opportunity to stay at home with little Piper and that I don't have to leave her at a daycare everyday. BUT, I miss being able to do things that I want to do. Part of the deal with me staying at home is that I would continue to pursue my jewelry business for extra money. Last summer I was primarily beading and had an immobile child. As I approach this coming jewelry season (tourist season), I now want to do primarily silver work, either tradition silversmithing or metal clay, and I have a child getting ready to walk.

My jewelry has been my passion for so long and I am so excited with where the silver is taking me. I finally feel like a true artist. BUT, silver is more time intensive and I just can't take a break at any given time. I traded the choking hazards of beads to having silver clay smeared on my fingers and holding a lit torch with glowing metal in my hands - could I get any more child un-friendly?

So how am I in my own way concerning this? Time management and time wasters I have never had to, often thought it might be a useful thing, but I got by just fine for 31+ years not doing it. Now that is the only solution.

How can I improve this situation?
- Spend less time online. I don't need to read TMZ or PerezHilton all of the time. Hollywood gossip is fun, but so nonessential.
- Watch less TV. This has been happening gradually already. I have been noticing a heavier energy when the TVs on for no real purpose. Nothing bad, just a slow and stagnant energy you might expect from crappy TV. I am thankful for the ability to recognize that now. I like having background noise, but the radio is a much better alternative.
-Maximize nap time by not doing one of the above.
- Follow the suggestion of the Fly Lady (www.flylady.net)and get dressed earlier in the day. She actually says first thing in the morning, but she also says baby steps so getting dressed before 9AM is a good day for me . Getting fully dressed really does make you feel more prepared to tackle the day. I waste a lot of time early in the morning by easing myself into the day. Is it necessary? Maybe sometimes, but definitely not all of the time.
- Last and definitely not least - believe I can make it happen. "Can't" has been too much of my vocabulary lately. As my Grandpa used to say "Can't can't do anything". That has never resonated much for me until now. I am limiting myself by believing it's not possible and looking for reasons to support that. Of course I am going to find evidence to support that frame of mind I am looking for it afterall. I know better, but I don't always act accordingly. My current state of less happiness is totally the result of looking at my limitations instead of my possibilities.

With all that said, I am going to go maximize this nap time and take advantage of Mike not being home tonight by doing something jewelry-related.