I’m a mom first; then, a work-at-home mom (W.A.H.M.) second. This is one of the things I remind myself daily ever since I started working from home or ever since I started accepting consulting projects again. It’s so easy to get lost in one’s never-ending to-do list. I’ve discovered that even as a full-time stay-at-home mom, I never ran out of things to do in the house. Thus, imagine how much busier I became when I decided to work from home as well.

At first, I didn’t know where to get work-at-home projects. But it did not take long before project after project came pouring into my lap and I learned many new ways of earning from home. Soon, sticking to my priorities was becoming harder and harder to do.

What helped me was that I frequently reminded myself of my main reason for working from home. I kept coming back to why I gave up my full-time job. I kept reminding myself that my family should come first. That my kids are more important than my career. That no matter how good my intentions are or my projects are, my most important job was to be a good mother to my children (next to being a good wife and a faithful Christian).

I was (and still am) picky about my clients and the kind of projects that I worked on. I made sure that I work with clients who espouse the same values that I believe in. I also made known to them right away my priorities and my limitations as a mom. I thank God that I was blessed with a lot of clients who understood and respected my priorities and accommodated my requests. I had clients who provided me a room where I could breastfeed my baby in between training sessions. I had clients who looked for workshop or training venues within Metro Manila only because I told them that I don’t want to travel too far when my babies are younger than six months old. I had clients who patiently waited for me to be ready to accept consulting projects for management, human resources or training solutions after my maternity leave. I had clients who allowed me to bring my entire family with me for out-of-town talks, seminars or team building workshops. They would even help me find the best accommodation for my family.

It was so tempting to accept one project after another, to keep on giving talks and workshops, to keep on writing articles for publications and to keep on publishing books. But I’ve realized, and I’ve learned through experience that nothing beats the happiness and the fulfillment that you’ll feel when you know that you are living your life based on your priorities, doing the will of God for your life and embracing His perfect timing.

When you learn to stick to your priorities and you don’t rush to accept every opportunity that comes your way, the best projects will find their way to you. The right people will line up to your door. The right opportunities will unfold before your eyes. I believe that these are part of the rewards that one gets when you choose to be faithful to what God has called you to do.

When you choose to be a good mom or the best mom to your children, you will undoubtedly be busy. Thus, it is important that we also choose to be discerning of what other projects or activities we would choose to be involved in because our divine calling to motherhood would be at stake.

I recently read a book titled Crazy Busy. I was reminded by this book that it’s okay to be busy as long as we are busy with the right things. When you choose to be a work-at-home mom, you will surely be busy. Just make sure that you are busy with the right things… the things that God has called you to be busy with.

Are you currently searching for your first work-at-home gig? Or are you currently swamped with work-at-home projects? Keep this lesson in mind. Don’t miss out on the wonderful benefit of working from home and working on your own terms. It’s possible! I know! It has happened to me many times.

*Excerpt from my latest book From Career Woman to SAHM, WAHM then Businessmom: Lessons from My Transitions. Get a FREE COPY of this eBook on Amazon during our virtual book launch on April 18-19. Reserve your copy here or join the virtual book launch here.

What are your current challenges as a WAHM? Feel free to share in the comments section.