Every Friday it was the same. Take the kids to school. Rush home to do all the things I didn’t get to finish during the week; laundry, clean bathrooms, scrub floors, vacuum and dust.
Then I’d rush back out to do our weekly grocery shopping, only getting back just in time to put the baby down for her nap.
Her nap time would consist of me binging on espresso and wrapping up work and emails, and getting ready for more weekend photo sessions. I wish I could say that only Fridays are like this, but they weren’t. Almost every day was go go go. It was not how I imagined motherhood to be.
I’d exhaust myself. I’d frustrate myself. By the time the day was over, all I wanted to do is crash into bed. And for what? My house was clean, my to do list was finished, but I was left feeling miserable and discontent. Left feeling like another day was wasted.
Any other Mamas feel stuck in this never ending quest for perfection?
Is this really how I wanted to spend my days as a Mama? Of course there is work that can’t be avoided. Clients need the products they paid for. The laundry has to be done, and of course it is my responsibility to feed my children. If I don’t, no one will! However, when is it all too much? Does it really matter if the linen closet is organized and the pantry is color coded? Especially when two seconds later it all gets undone? How much of life was I missing because I was consumed by all the little things that don’t really matter?
These days I’m breathing a little bit easier. All because I switched my focus:
Baby, family and friends first.
Work and everything else next. If there is time. If I can. If I want to (win).
Surprisingly though, my work deadlines are still being met, and my house isn’t as neglected as one would think. I’m just pouring more energy into the things that really matter.
I’m discovering a new love for motherhood. I laugh with my kids, we go on more adventures. I sit and snuggle more. I drink my coffee hot (hallelujah!). I’m enjoying my days, crash into bed at night feeling a long lost sense of peace and contentment.
So I encourage you. At the beginning of the week, write down all the things that you want to do. Then do them. You won’t regret it. I promise.
