Juggling the Impossible: How I Balance Creativity with Family Life (Kind Of)
Let me start by being honest: I don’t actually feel like I balance anything. Not in the color-coded, Pinterest-perfect kind of way. More often than not, I feel like I’m dancing between worlds… one moment writing dialogue in my head, the next remembering I forgot to thaw the chicken. I hyperfocus on my projects (especially when I’m in deep creative mode like filming), and when that happens… everything else drops.
But here’s the truth beneath that truth: I’m not doing it alone.
My husband and son pick up the slack with grace and strength. My family gives me room to create. And we all…somehow, make it work.
This post isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about honoring the beautiful, imperfect ways we show up for both our dreams and our people.
My sweet family, Summer 2023. [Not pictured: two adorable kitties]
Finding Time for Creative Work While Managing Family Responsibilities
I don’t carve time out of life for creativity. I carve life around my creativity.
When I’m in writing or filming mode, I go all in. I disappear into the world I’m creating, and during those windows, my family steps in and fills the gaps. That’s not a luxury I take for granted. It’s a system we’ve built together over time, with communication, trial and error, and lots of love.
My practical (and real) tips?
Time block your energy, not just your schedule. Don’t force creativity when your brain’s foggy. Ride the wave when it’s high.
Prep in advance if possible. I do batching spells—filming phases, writing sprints, planning periods—so I can immerse fully.
Let go of balance. Embrace the cycle instead. Creation and rest. Focus and return.
The Importance of Routine and Flexibility
I thrive on rhythm more than strict routine. Too much rigidity and I short-circuit. Too little, and the chaos consumes me.
So I anchor my days with small rituals—Alani Nu (or coffee), candles, stretching, deep breaths. These are the energetic bridges that help me shift from mom mode to creator mode and back again.
But here’s what I’ve learned as a neurodivergent creative: Flexibility is where the real magic happens. Some days it all falls apart, and that’s okay. I don’t make my worth dependent on whether the to-do list got checked off.
If I wrote a scene, kissed my husband, hugged my kid, and remembered to eat? That’s a win.
Staying Inspired Amidst the Chaos
Inspiration doesn’t always strike during the quiet moments. Sometimes it comes while folding laundry. Or waiting in the grocery store checkout line. Or lying on the floor overwhelmed by everything I didn’t do.
I don’t chase inspiration anymore. I notice it. I collect it. I write it down in fragments and digital notes. I feed it in small ways: music, candlelight, rereading my favorite lines, staring at the sky.
To recharge creatively, I:
Take long soaks in the bath where ideas flow like spells
Talk things out with trusted friends
Rewatch shows and movies that shaped me
Let myself feel instead of forcing productivity
Visit my characters like old friends, even when I’m not writing
Take plenty of time to read
Involving Family in Your Creative Process
My family doesn’t just support my creativity. They’re woven into it.
My husband helps at home and is my knight in shining armor when I need to battle the Impostor Syndrome Dragon. My son helps me test ideas for my books and shares his perspective with me often. My mom works beside me on set, at events, and helps plan the magic. My dad is always at the ready to grab something we left behind or need for set or an event.
And when I hit burnout, they all help pull me back to joy. Including them in what I do keeps me grounded. It reminds me that storytelling isn’t separate from life… it is life. It’s what connects us.
And let’s be honest—watching your kiddo light up when they see themselves reflected in your story? That’s magick.
Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations
This one’s still hard. Because sometimes even I forget that “filming” or “writing” is still work, even if I love it.
But I’ve learned that boundaries aren’t walls. They’re invitations for others to respect your energy, and for you to honor your needs.
I’m learning to say:
“I’m not available today, but I can talk tomorrow.”
“I’m filming. Please only text if it’s urgent.”
“I need ten quiet minutes before I can be present again.”
I also try to check in with myself before saying yes to things out of guilt or pressure. People can’t honor your boundaries if you don’t set them.
And if you’re neurodivergent like me, remember: you don’t need to perform “balance” for anyone else’s comfort. You get to design a system that actually works for you.
I don’t balance creativity and family life because I’ve mastered it. I balance it because we’ve chosen to build something together that lets me be both.
Some days I drop the ball. Some days I juggle on instinct. Some days I lie on the couch and cry into mac and cheese or a pizza.
But most days… I remember that my life is art in progress.
And that is enough.
With ink-stained fingers and a full heart,
Dalea
🕯️ If you’re a parent, a partner, a dreamer, or just a human trying to keep it together while chasing your passions, this is your reminder that the chaos doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re living. And somewhere in the midst of it all… the story is still unfolding.
🕯️ Wander into Amberlight and beyond—sign up for updates, secrets, and the occasional enchanted surprise.
