Holy smokes. I told y’all the beginning of 2019 would be hectic, but I didn’t know just HOW busy I would be until I realized I barely shot my bow, exercised or spent time outside in the last month because I’ve been traveling to a new city each week for tradeshows. I know part of my job is to do appearances and travel to big events and I honestly love doing those, but when I can’t see the sky and breathe fresh air for days on end, I start to go a little bananas. Being outside is how I re-group, and lately I’ve been on the go so much that I’ve barely been able to do all the things I love! But, like with everything else, when I want to do something badly enough (like being with LB & Tim, hunting, or going to the home build site) I figure out a way to do it.

When it comes to finding a good balance in life, taking care of your needs is KEY! Here are just a few of the ways I find time to balance my love of the outdoors with the million other things I have going on at any given time.

Bring Gear EVERYWHERE!

The surefire way to make sure I get to spend time with my bow is to take it with me pretty much everywhere we go. You never know when there might be an extended period of time where we’re standing around or waiting for the next thing, so having my bow handy means I have no excuses for not getting some practice time in. Bow+block=sanity-saving me time!! My hack is to always keep a plastic bin in the trunk with outdoor essentials! I have my running shoes (for a last-minute workout), protein bars, my archery gear, a rain jacket (no excuses to get outdoors) and a spare set of clothes. Trust me… being prepared will be a huge help!

PS. I KNOW people are going to ask me about my bow set-up, so let me save you some time. Here are all the deets:

Bow: Eva Shockey Signature Series (I shoot the 60lb limbs) // Release: Eva Shockey Signature Release // Sight: IQ 3-Pin Bowsight // Rangefinder: Leupold Laser Rangefinder

Look for Hidden Opportunities

I try to schedule as many things as possible outside! If you’re like me and need to be outdoors as much as you are indoors, just simply being in nature and not inside a stuffy building can help break up the feeling of burnout or boredom. It also helps that Leni Bow LOVES being outdoors, and I credit that to Tim and I taking her outside as much as we can, which we have done since she was tiiiiiny! Some easy ideas: Eat dinner on the grass. Go for a run. Get on a conference call on while you’re walking or sitting in a park. Throw a ball with your kids. Read a book on the hammock. Cook dinner on the grill (ahem, have you tried my Wild Game Poppers??). There are so many daily activities that naturally happen indoors but can easily be re-routed outdoors with minimal effort.

Learn When to Ask for Help

Thankfully, it still takes a village. If I’m feeling overextended and in need of a break, I am fortunate enough to have people to turn to that can lend me a hand–whether that’s with motherhood or work. It also helps to remember that a lot of other people in the working world are ALSO parents and understand the need to switch gears sometimes. I’ve learned to say “no” to work requests, for a reason as simple as spending time with Leni and that’s OK. Since we live in NC and both of our families live in Canada (Tim is from Ontario and I’m from British Columbia), we don’t have built-in family members around so I try to surround myself with good friends because even on the long days where I can’t get that vital outdoor time, everything becomes more bearable with fun and friendly people around!

Take a Breather

This is the most important part of this entire blog, so listen up. At the end of the day, we all have important stuff to do. Parents especially get this: if we don’t do something, it won’t get done! But how often do we put priority on something small when it could actually wait a bit? We have God-given gifts and talents for a reason, and I am a firm believer in what I do in the outdoor world is due to that intrinsic drive He has given me. If you’re too busy for the things that give you joy or to spend time with your loved ones pursuing your passions, then you might just be too busy.

If you’re super busy like me, maybe this 15 Minute Wild Game Chili  should take care of dinner tonight! It is SO good, SO easy, and gives you a nutritious meal for your whole family so you can focus on the stuff that matters: getting outside and filling up YOUR love tank!!

 

See you back here next week with a new blog for even MORE tips, hacks, and recipes!!

-Eva

 

Photos by Jennifer Wilson Photography

Keep everyone in the loop by sharing this post: