There's not a parent out there who hasn't had to give up some aspect of a former life once kids take over the scene. For MomSpeaker Darla DeMorrow, the decision to quit a years-long pursuit lightened both her family schedule and her peace of mind — a cautionary tale in reverse for other moms having trouble letting go pieces of their former lives.
Back before kids, I got certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. EMTs ride in the ambulance and provide first responder care. I studied a full semester to get certified. Being a part of my local fire company in my small NJ town was like having another family, and then it was the same after transferring to Pennsylvania.
Staying active as a volunteer EMT required taking one night shift a week at the local fire house. We attended drills and company meetings every Monday. It also required a boatload of continuing education credits each year, which meant an additional shift of training nearly every week. That’s three shifts a week!
Six years and two kids later, those midnight shifts weren’t fun anymore, no matter how awesome the crew was. I hated to throw away the investment in my training and my community, and I hated to give up those sexy uniforms and boxy black shoes. (Sorry, I don’t have one picture!) But my EMT gig didn’t have to be a forever choice.
Volunteering on the ambulance was something I did, not something I was.
I had to make peace with that.
A year after my second daughter was born, I resigned from my local fire company. That was the year that my book was published. I had a lot going on.
Last year I made the decision to let my certification expire, and I felt like a weight had been lifted.
I’m sharing this story because it’s a simple story of organizing time. Someone told me recently that you can’t find time. You can’t manage time.
But you can manage focus.
It’s OK to give up an activity from another season in your life, even if it was something that you spent a lot of energy, time and money on in the past. There are new experiences to enjoy, if you make time for them.
You can grasp a new opportunity if your hands are unclenched, but not if you are still clenching your old life.
Even though I gave up my involvement in the healthcare industry, I am taking care of my own health by making decisions about where I spend my time, even if that means quitting.
I want to extend my thanks to all the first responders who might read this. I was truly honored to be part of your ranks for a while, and I completely appreciate your service, whether paid or volunteer.
Darla DeMorrow is a Wayne, PA mom, professional organizer and author. This post was adapted from her Heartwork Organizing blog, where she's currently helping moms make good on their resolutions to get organized with 31 Days of Clutter-Free Living. She also blogs at The Pregnant Entrepreneur and you can circle her on Google+.
