So, I took myself, and my family away for a week to the glorious, sleepy seaside town of Streaky Bay. My husband, Twiggy from Archie Five Photography, was taking the photographs at a gorgeous wedding and we tagged along to get in some much needed family time.
You know, it’s not until you strip away the day-to-day that you can truly unwind. It gave me the time to breath. I so desperately needed quiet time, after what’s been a crazy few months. My exhaustion peaked at the Digital Parents Conference which I found quite overwhelming. I really enjoyed the one-on-one times with friends, but the actual conference was just too much for me this year. I had been working so darn hard that when confronted with a room full of overly excited people all jostling for someone’s attention it was just too much. I ended up spending a majority of the night sitting in a toilet cubicle crying. Exhaustion had taken the better of me.
You know how “they” talk about work/life balance, well I have had no balance. I knew as I sat in the loo with mascara running down my cheeks that something had to give. I cut back on my work commitments. I stopped blogging for a short time, I turned off Twitter and Facebook and I got my groove back.
I also wanted time to look at bigwords with fresh eyes. I’ve been blogging along quite nicely, but feel I need a bit more direction. I’ve stagnated. It’s time to shift a gear.
I want to turn this space into a place for my children to use a reference about their own childhood, about my husband and I, but also a place to hear stories about being parents which they may not hear in the mainstream world around them. There’s plenty of places to source the good side of parenting, the tips and tricks, but I want bigwords to be a place parents can share their dark times, their funny times and also revisit their own dreams – the dreams they had before children came into their lives.
I am going to try a few things over coming months and am always up for suggestion for what you’d like to read or what you’d like to contribute to this page. I’d also love some guest posts on different topics, so send me an email or FB message or DM if you’re interested.
bigwords – words for when my kids are big. I hope you’ll stick with me on this journey. xx
Oh B take it easy. Balance is SO import! I can’t wait to see what you have in store.
Glad you had a break from all the stress and exhaustion – hope the new groove is all you want it to be and more.
Glad you had a chance to recharge, we had a break over Easter and it gave me a chance to gain some perspective. I think your ideas sound great, I started my blog as a way of getting in touch with my old self pre-kids. It often feels like there is more missing to the conversation of “make time for you” and “accept help when offered”. Not always that simple. Look forward to reading about it.
So glad your back & refreshed!
I love your idea. I read a lot of blogs & even though I love them all one thing I’m seeing/reading is how perfect/peachy/easy everyone seems to have it. My life is not like that. My kids, especially my 12 yr old, drive me bat shit crazy some days. There are days I struggle to not argue with my 12 yr old, struggle to find something to connect with. This is a hard age & I can’t seem to find anyone who is going through the same stuff. It makes all those self doubt thought I have seem larger than life when it seems I’m the only one sinking in a sea of pre teen hormonal mental-ness….
So I’ll be looking forward to reading what comes up on the blog. I find huge inspiration & strength from others stories, how they overcome the bad & find the good in shitty situations. I’m so happy your back & have found something new to look forward to xx
wish you came and got me at the conference. I spent the time like a deer in headlights and was in my room by 11.30 cause I couldn’t take it anymore.
And I was STARVING.
We coulda ordered a pizza and gossiped.
I too found the conference overwhelming and ended up in bed at 9:30 on the Friday night. I had had a blast, but it was all pretty busy for this introvert.
So glad you’re back, and I look forward to seeing where Bigwordsblog goes
I would have hung out in the loo with you! I always have these big ideas about being social and meeting lots of people, but then I get there and get overwhelmed by the already established groups, then revert back into my shell. Glad you took the break you needed. I’m working toward ‘annual leave’ on my blog too, so I can get my shit together.
You. Me. Mother. WIfe. Ordinary. Wife. And loads of wine. xxx
The work-life balance thing is such a slippery slope. I’m currently clinging to the edge myself. Smart lady for seeing it and taking such an important break.
Welcome back. xxx
Can’t wait to see what comes next. Most of all, it’s just good to have you back. x
I like your vision for bigwords, I can’t wait to tag along and see what happens.
Carol
Thank goodness you are back. I do want to say that I admire you taking that step back & time to re-group. Now…….I would always love to contribute something somewhere anytime you’d find it helpful. I love your new purpose.. And your daughters will even more. Denyse xx
Welcome back B – I hear you 🙂
Oh I loved reading this post. I am new to your world and this post is so timely for me. I think the idea of ‘keeping it real” when it comes to life/work/balance is fantastic. I look forward to the many posts ahead.
Welcome back! Enjoy the new challenges and be sure it all happens at your own pace. Hopefully that helps you achieve some balance x
You know I waited so long to meet you in person and because of the craziness of the conference I had about a 3 second exchange with you. Opportunity lost. Sorry to hear that you felt blah at the conference. We’ve all been there.
Work/life balance forever changing. Just when you think you got it, it flies out the window again.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
I wish I would have gone to the bloggers conference with you. We could have left and gone to a really cool bar and giggled until the drinks came out of noses. Glad you’re back. Glad you’re fresh. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Sorry to hear you were upset at the conference. Good to hear the balance is back and also it sounds like fun times ahead.
Man, I’ve been trying to find 5 minutes to write a comment here for the last two days! I’m glad you’ve been able to take a step back and regroup, Bianca. I think everyone battles with maintaining a happy balance in their lives, mothers especially!
Really like the sound of where you want to take bigwords… so I’ll DEFINITELY be hanging around for the ride.
xx
I can’t wait to see what you have in store! And hell I’m all about tell it like it is! I am flailing with balance. Nigh on impossible at the moment. Sorry to hear of your exhaustion and so wish I could be more helpful lovely. I think we need that catch up soon. Xxxx
Yay! Good for you! You have to do what you want, not what you think is expected of you. People will still come, and I’ll be one of them.
xox