Today I did not go the extra mile. I was on the way, literally, but my brain kicked in and told me not to. It wasn’t because I’m a bitch, it wasn’t because I was lazy, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to do it; it was because I actually couldn’t do it. Or, I could have but it would have cost me. Not money or time (although it actually would have) but it would have caused me to put that one extra thing on my plate that would have caused the plate to break or drop the ball using my very own juggling analogy. 
It wasn’t even a big thing but it was something that would have made a difference to an event I’m running. It would be a nice to have definitely, but after leaving work late after yet another busy day, picking up a tired daughter from nursery (last mum there again) and then picking up a crazy dog desperate for a walk I thought “what on earth am I doing”?
I am in the middle of a really busy and high profile piece of work at the moment with tight deadlines and a lot of reputation all risk. This doesn’t all fall on me but I obviously don’t want to drop a ball there.
I am trying to decorate and renovate a house (luckily with help from family and friends) in time to move in by the end of September and also trying to sell a shared ownership flat which seems to be a process not unlike wading through treacle.
I’m trying to coordinate an exciting event that the Wellbeing Group, of which I am the main driver, has organised which is tomorrow.
I’m trying to be a good mum to Charlotte which involves not being the last mum to pick up their child every day and having time, and the energy to spend quality time with her when we get home.
I’m trying to be a good friend, especially to my best friend who is getting married in a week and a half! I am trying to keep on top of the housework and I am trying to take some time for myself.
But trying isn’t good enough for these. I want to be actually able to succeed in all of these but something had to give this evening so I didn’t do something. The world won’t fall apart from it. The event will still run tomorrow. My colleagues won’t know what I haven’t done but my daughter has had time with me and I have had time to decompress a little from an, already, very busy week.
Sometimes we have to put things in perspective and driving out of my drive this evening was a ‘click’ moment. I drove up the road, turned around at the roundabout and came home again. Doing this extra thing would be good for the wellbeing event but not for my wellbeing and I suppose I should lead by example.
It’s not selfishness to put yourself as number one sometimes – it’s essential and I’m glad I remembered that this evening – just in time! I urge everyone to take at least 30 mins to prioritise yourself this evening, it can make such a difference! Happy hump day xx
theperfectjuggler 
Bravo Katie….! Well done! xx
🙂 this made me smile because it’s something I’ve realised lately! I couldn’t think of a time I’ve ever been selfish. Sometimes you need to put yourself first. Xx
Wow, to use your analogy you have a lot of balls in the air at the moment. Taking time out isn’t selfish at all. I think you need it to avoid burn out!
Thought provoking and quite the reminder I needed this week. I’ve been heading here, there & everywhere yet berating myself for not getting more done. I took 5 hours out last night to tackle menial tasks like the washing & ironing mountain & guess what, the world didn’t fall apart & I feel better today! Enjoy the rest of your week x
Totally agree with you here. Sometimes things just need to be out on hold or abandoned completely just for the sake of our own sanity. I used to be horrendous for trying to juggle too many things. Now I actually chill out a bit. I think “do I really need to do this? Will the world end?”
No, it won’t!
Well done for taking some time for you!!
Until you sit and realise just how much you are doing you do just carry on. I agree in prioritising x
Spending time on yourself and your family can never be seen as selfish. I don’t know how you manage it all, I’m exhausted just reading that post. I think you need to make more time for you and yours in the future too, these moments are precious. X
First principle of first aid – take care of yourself or you can’t take care of anyone else. Applies in so much of life. Hope things settle down soon, it sounds hectic!