7. May 2010 by admin.

I got a new job on April 13th: Mother! After two years of praying in faith for a son, Samuel Yosef Williams made his entrance into the world at 12:33pm after 24 hours of labor. (I plan to post my labor story in the next few weeks.)

Since then, I’ve been busy changing diapers, feeding, soothing a crying baby, and learning how to nap around his sleeping/feeding schedule. I’ve also been wondering when I’ll ever get time to write or read or do something (anything) for ME! So, I’m learning to multi-task. Right now, while writing this blog post, I’m feeding the baby…typing with my right hand, holding baby with the left.

This is actually the first time I’m writing since having Samuel. I’ve written in my personal journal but this is my first “official” writing.Since his birth, I can say my priorities have changed overnight. I’m the type of person who, if I don’t watch myself, can overload myself with busyness: volunteering for things, signing up for this or that program, etc. The first week of parenthood, I realized I can’t do that anymore.

I have to figure out my top priorities and stick to those, saying ‘No’ to everything else. As Stephen Covey, founder of Franklin Covey, says: “Get rid of the urgent and focus on the important.”

At this season in my life four things are important to me (listed in order of priority):

1)   Maturing as a Christian

2)  Growing in my marriage

3)  Raising children to be responsible adults with a good character and love for God

4)  Growing as a creative artist in both writing and the performing arts

To put this in more succinct terms: God, family, and work.

By setting these priorities, I know what I can say “No” to. Sometimes, it takes life changing events (like childbirth) to get our perspective in order.

Stephen Covey, founder of Franklin Covey, said: “You don’t want to climb the ladder of success and then realize your ladder was leaned against the wrong wall.” I’ve made that mistake before so it’s better to change now before it’s too late.

Have you experienced a life changing event that caused you to re-evaluate your priorities? Do you know what your priorities are? (Not just what you think they are?) Tell me about it by either leaving a comment or emailing me at info@preslaysa.comJ  

Posted in Motherhood | Print | No Comments »

2. April 2010 by admin.

So I have been incognito on the blogosphere for a while. I’ve been pretty anxious lately as I’m nearing my due date for our first child on April 24^th.  This week, I took a “mental health” week where I didn’t follow any type of schedule so I could sort out the questions swirling around my brain. Questions like:

*What will motherhood be like?

* Will a new addition to the family put a strain on my marriage?

*How do I ensure our child gets all he needs for his development (physical, spiritual, etc.)?

Thankfully, husband and I started going through a book called “Becoming Babywise” which I feel God led me to read in preparation for this new season. It’s answering a lot of questions and putting things in perspective for me.  

During my mental health week, I’ve done many things: moped around the house, decluttered, napped, organized the baby’s room, started to freezer cook meals for those first few weeks after delivery, and set up the portable crib. I didn’t focus on any writing and skipped the gym all week. (I may go to the gym or for a walk this weekend.) 

Today, I feel calmer and more focused. I’m learning not to overwhelm myself. By breaking up bigger tasks into tiny ones, I’ll get more accomplished. I’m also learning the value of rest.

Till next time.

-Preslaysa

Posted in Life | Print | 3 Comments »

26. February 2010 by admin.

Check out my latest article recently published by The Dabbling Mum. It offers great tips on starting a craft business. Just follow this link:  http://thedabblingmum.com/business/bizideas/craftbusiness.htm

Posted in Published Writings | Print | 1 Comment »