Welcome, Goddesses! Or, How I Handle Epic Stress….
I realized quickly when checking my stats today that the 30 Days of Goddess Ecourse went Live. Today. Somehow, I failed to note that July 31st in the US is August 1st in Australia….because I'm brilliant. Or as my two year old says – mama – you a gen'us. 
Since I'm a part of said Ecourse, it stands to reason that I should have been better prepared for my new visitors. Or, at the very least, thinking on Australian time.
So, with my apologies for my "genius", off we go!
Stress Management for Freelancers (and Others of the Mama Variety)
As you may have gathered from my beautiful groveling above, things can get a little hectic around here. I homeschool a preschooler and a first grader, run a home business, and manage the household and urban homestead with the help of my lovable husband. That's a lot to juggle, and some days, it's enough to make me cry uncle. However, I'd like to offer some tips/guidance/ways I keep from losing my mind completely.
Remember That It's Only Temporary
Even on the worst days, I know that all I have to do is survive the next 15 minutes. And then the next. Some days, that's all that gets me through. If even THAT doesn't get me through, it may be time to phone a friend, or start looking for the corkscrew and the red wine.
Plan In Extra Time
When dealing with two small children, I know that my plans will never, ever, EVER turn out the way they should. Embracing a certain level of chaos is just part of working mama-hood. So, when we have to be somewhere, I flat out lie and say we have to be there 30 minutes before the event starts. I lie to the husband to. He knows this, and he's okay with it (for the most part). So sue me. I'm happier, there's less yelling, and we're even on time sometimes.
Pick Your Battles
For me, it's not worth fighting about some things. They want to make a crap-ton of noise? It's raining outside? Ok. That's why earplugs were created. They want to make a mess? Ok. They help clean it up. I grew up with a mama who yelled and was generally unhappy – my goal in life is to enjoy myself and my kiddos, and not miss a moment of happiness. Those moments slip by so, so quickly. So, if I'm having a rough day, we stay in our pajamas, eat scrambled eggs off of paper plates, and watch lots of movies. I'd rather be a happy slacker mama than a stressed out overachiever – any day of the week.
Call in the Troops
When necessary, don't be afraid to ask for help. I have full time childcare, because I simply couldn't do the amount of work I do, from home, without it. If someone is sick, or I'm about to lose it totally, I call a friend and ask to come hide at their place, sans kiddos. Don't be afraid to not look perfect and ask for help – doing so may be what helps other people see you as an authentic, real mama that they can relate to. Speaking honestly has been the start of a ton of great friendships for me.
