The ICA: Ten Golden Rules for Every Busy Woman

We don’t just deserve to take the odd break from even the busiest of days: we need that momentary pause every day in order to make the best use of whatever time and energy we have at our disposal. And who knows better than members of The Irish Countrywomen’s Association, who just published their third book with us, The ICA Book of Tea and Company!

"Our age-old motto in the ICA is ‘Deeds not Words’. We are women accustomed to busy days, to making lists and working our way through them. We have always been practical people, unafraid to roll up our sleeves and get stuck into the business of daily life, and we have less interest in talking about doing something than we have in getting on with it.

But the truth is that even the most formidably practical amongst us can sometimes allow the part of us that worries that perhaps it cannot be done after all to interrupt the part of us that is busy doing it. Sometimes it all becomes a little overwhelming, and we doubt whether our ability matches our ambition. It is at such times that we need a well-judged word to encourage us back on our way: to rally and to motivate, to reassure and to help us keep things in perspective."

- The ICA

Ten Golden Rules for Every Busy Woman

1. I am not on call to all people all of the time.

2. I have needs of my own, which may not be the same as those of my family, my colleagues or my friends.

3. I don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every request that is made of me.

4. I don’t have to carry on doing something just because I’ve always done it.

5. Time spent relaxing is time well spent.

6. There’s no such thing as the perfect wife, perfect mother, perfect child.

7. Time spent feeling guilty could be spent doing more enjoyable things.

8. I shouldn’t always do it for them if they are capable of doing it themselves.

9. I should give myself the same care and consideration that I give to others.

10. I should remember, at all times, especially in the face of criticism, difficulties and anxiety, that I am doing the best I can!

The ICA Book of Tea and Company, edited by Aoife Carrigy, is now available nationwide.

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