December 30, 2013 - Written by: Emily Macdonald

4 Tips on How to Juggle the Year Ahead

Hello!! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! I for one am pretty bummed that I no longer have an excuse to drink at 9am… What a busy but lovely few days in the Macdonald household! Happy children, tired adults and plenty of Doctor Who DVDs!! (if only I had time to watch them.)

2014 looks set to be an exciting year with a few writing jobs on the horizon and our baby crossing the threshold into toddlerhood. With the prospect of more work I know I’m going to need to be super organised in order to juggle all the balls over the coming months (yeh….not my strong point) and, I must admit, I’m a little scared! I have a tendency to take on more than I can manage at times and I’m great at setting off fast, only to flag and collapse on the second lap.

(Image via)

So how can we manage all that life has to throw at us?

This is easier said than done isn’t it? I remember crying to my other half in the early days of babyhood (my sons, not mine) that none of the following were optional….. Looking after Baby Roo, writing a dissertation, parenting the eldest or not living in filth…… I wore myself down trying to manage these things and then proceeded to apply for a new job, move house and start a blog. HA!

But you know what I realise when I look back….. I did achieve all these things. I completed my degree, my children are safe, loved and thriving, I have a wonderful new job which I’m able to fit around parenting, we have our first home and I’m writing now, so all that worry and anxiety was for nothing.

So what’s the key to all this juggling? Here are some tips for keeping those balls in the air in 2014…

1. Stop worrying about what others think.

A tidy home is not essential and neither is putting 100% into your image. This has been a hard one for me. I guess you could say that this year I have been learning not to look to others for self-acceptance. If my house is a mess or indeed my face and hair at times, those who judge me are not worth my worry

2. Build a support network.

No man (or indeed woman) is an island, moving house was tough, starting out in a new area can be intimidating, but taking the time to build friendships and get to know others will keep you sane. It’s tough remaining in touch with old friends when life moves on, and for 2014, I’m also determined to check in more with those wonderful people who have enriched my life, it’s these people who keep you grounded and remind you to be yourself.

3. Celebrate small achievements.

They say if you devote your time focusing on the mistakes of the past you’re depressed… if you worry about the future and concern yourself with all you have yet to achieve, you suffer from anxiety. Instead, try and live in the moment more, accept your limits and celebrate even the smallest of milestones. Remind yourself daily that you’re only human and chasing that aloof rainbow or looking back into the storm can cloud your ability to enjoy the moment

4. Be grateful for all you have.

It can be so easy to dwell on what you perceive your life lacks (I found myself feeling fairly inadequate after accidentally stumbling across the Martha Stewart website a few weeks ago when preparing for Xmas- cringe worthy I know) but looking instead to the positives in your life can be awe inspiring. Be thankful and gracious…. I’ve actually gone as far as to write my blessing on little post it notes and sticking them around my office. Give it a go!

Wishing you all an amazing new year…. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself with resolutions….(sure I need to lose weight, stop smoking and limit my unnecessary stationary purchases) but Instead I will focus on the following for 2014…..

This year I will accept my limits, laugh more, count my blessings and be proud of who I am.

Tags: family friendship inspiration Joy life lessons new year self help Stress