Finding Peace When Life Gives You Crazy

At the end of January, I welcomed a new baby into this world -- my second daughter. I decided to stay home to care for my kids. I'll tell you...life with two young kids is a lot different than when we just had one. Someone always needs something from me. Someone is usually whining or crying or fussing. The house is a disaster zone. Dinner is quick and usually not the healthiest. I'm trying to work from home part time. It should be easy enough to find time time, right? Well, no. Not really. Because, in short, life is crazy right now, and there is never enough time. Since my baby has been born, I've also found very little time to do things for myself. Things that I love to do -- belly dance, read books, take showers, eat breakfast, sleep more than 6 hours a night... I've been so busy with the kids and trying to find time to finish my work. I feel like I may have lost sight of some important things, like taking care of myself.

This is why I decided to try to start a new belly dance class in Concord. I've been belly dancing since 2009, performing with a troupe and solo at festivals and private events around the Bay Area. Since 2009, this wonderful, unique, beautiful, cultural, and challenging dance has been one of the things that have kept me sane and fulfilled. Since I became pregnant with my second daughter, I haven't felt that way. But I want to feel that way again. So next week, my belly dance for beginners class starts. I'm terrified that no one will show up. But, if that happens I have a plan. If no one comes, I get to spend an hour dancing by myself, for myself. Either way, I think it will be awesome.

To all you moms and dads out there -- find a way to keep yourself sane. Your kids need to see that taking care of yourself is a priority in your life, and they will be better off because of it.

For more info about my upcoming belly dance class, please visit www.lifelovebelly.com