As the school holidays approached, I had imagined sunny days, leisurely afternoons in the park, and peaceful moments where I could manage my wellness business while my three children played happily outside. But, as is often the case, the reality has looked quite different. I am not very good at managing several things at once and its safe to say I get easily overwhelmed. This summer has been particularly wet and challenging, yet somehow, amidst the chaos, we’re finding our rhythm and maybe others can too.
The Juggling Act
Running a small business is no small feat. It requires creativity, focus, and consistent effort to keep everything on track. Now, add in three small children who are full of energy and curiosity, and you’ve got a recipe for constant multitasking and the need for superhuman levels of patience. The biggest challenge has been time management. When the kids are in school, I have those precious hours during the day to concentrate on work. But during the six-week school holiday, every moment is shared. Finding the balance between spending quality time with them and ensuring the business continues to thrive has been a delicate and often stressful act.
There have been days where I've had to take important calls with a child on my lap or respond to emails in the five-minute windows between snack requests and sibling disputes. Flexibility has become my mantra - embracing the unpredictability of each day and adapting my schedule to fit around the kids' needs. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, to them, and accepting that productivity will look different during this season.
Embracing the Wet British Summer
As if the demands of juggling work and family life weren't enough, this summer has also been particularly rainy. The pockets of sunshine seem few and far between amidst endless grey skies and frequent downpours that have tested my resilience. Especially when outdoor activities are so essential for both the kids' sanity and my own. But, instead of letting the rain keep us inside, we’ve embraced it. We’ve shaken off the cobwebby waterproofs and wellies from the porch-box and are making rainy day adventures a regular part of our routine. Whether it’s splashing in puddles, exploring soggy woodlands, or simply enjoying the fresh, rain-kissed air, these moments in nature have become our sanctuary.
These outdoor excursions have also provided unexpected benefits for my business - for one, I've never had so much footage for my Instagram page! As 'Wild' is in the very name of my business, spending time in nature not only refreshes my spirit but also inspires my work. The connection between the peace I find outdoors and the services I offer in my business has never been clearer. When I return from our rainy adventures, I feel more grounded, more creative, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. In the midst of the madness, I’ve found that carving out small moments of peace is crucial. Whether it’s a quiet early morning cup of coffee while the kids amuse themselves before demanding what we are doing today to a few deep breaths during a rain-soaked walk, or a brief meditation after the children are in bed, these moments of stillness help me stay centred.
Looking Ahead
One of the biggest lessons this summer has taught me is the importance of adjusting expectations. There have been days when the to-do list remains untouched and the kids are grumpy and restless. On those days, rather than stressing over what didn’t get done, I’ve learned to focus on what I did accomplish - no matter how small (and its sometimes very small). Whether it’s spending time with the children, managing to send out an important email, or simply surviving the day, every win counts.
As the school holidays begin to wind down, I can’t help but reflect on how this experience has stretched and strengthened me in ways I didn’t anticipate. Running a business while caring for three small children in a wet and wild British summer has been far from easy, but it’s also been a season of growth, resilience, and unexpected joy. I’ve learned that flexibility, creativity, and a strong support system are key to navigating this busy, sometimes overwhelming, time. And, perhaps most importantly, I’ve discovered that even in the chaos, there is always space for peace, whether found in a quiet moment or a rainy day walk in the woods.
As we transition into the next season, I carry these lessons with me, knowing that while the challenges will continue, so will the rewards. So as I settle down, exhausted but happy, after a long day of running around I raise a glass: here’s to finding balance, embracing the unpredictability of life, and continuing to build both a thriving business and a happy, healthy family.
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