There are many parts of motherhood that are really, really difficult.
Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely joy, love, and all of that - but there are also moments and seasons that are traumatic.
When we experience trauma it is vital to experience it, acknowledge that things didn’t go as planned, and process it rather than just letting it marinate or get placed on the back burner.
So what can we do about it? Read on...
I recently had a conversation with someone who I had not talked to in a while. We briefly chatted and she commented that since she sees me less I must be busy. I know she meant no harm but "being busy" is not a badge I want to carry.
As someone who mentally processes a lot, "busy" moments sometimes come. But my goal is NOT to be busy. My aim in life is to be intentional. Here are some key strategies that I use to make that happen:
When you don't know what you stand for, you don't know what truly matters to you. And if you don't know what truly matters to you, you will find yourself at the whim of everyone else's agenda. Clearly define your values.
Identify the top 4 or 5 priorities in your life right now. Once they are in ranked order, check it against the way you spend your time. Your priorities are your values in action.
Your time is a valuable container. When you choose to add to your schedule, that very well means something will need to come out. And if there is an activity you're doing that does not reflect your values and priorities, that activity is pushing the busyness needle in your life. Find a way to let that thing go.
This can be the toughest part, especially when it means letting go of relationships or roles that have come to define you. Remember, your priorities are what matters most. It won't be easy but definitely worth it.
If volunteering is taking time away from being available for your kids, let it go.
If you're struggling to start your business because there's always "one more thing" to do, put a cap on those "things" and find a way to move those tasks off your plate.
One of the questions I get asked a lot is -- How do you do it all?!?
* Homeschooling
* Cooking wholesome meals for my family
* Driving my kids to their co-op
* Rockclimbing
* Building a business
* Spending quality time with my crew
* And alllll the other things.
It is a lot, friend… AND here are four secrets to keeping a peaceful schedule. Are you ready?
#1 Know Your Family’s Priorities
I know! Telling you to get more organized might have seemed easier. But here is the thing. If you haven’t sat down and really thought about what is important to you and your family, it can make it really difficult to filter what gets added to the schedule and what doesn’t. One of the best ways to figure this out is to sit down and write it out. You can click here for a free printable to make finding your top priorities easy and efficient!
#2 Include Your Family In the Conversation
It is important to remember that this is about cultivating family priorities. Don’t be afraid to invite your family into the conversation. Does your child enjoy violin lessons, soccer, and robotics? If so, that is great! But if there are a few that “spark less joy,” it may be a good time to reconsider that commitment. The same goes for adults. Are you volunteering for things at work out of obligation? Are there other ways that you contribute that won’t take up as much of your time? Once you can see your priorities on paper, it makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes.
#3 Take A Hard Look At Your Schedule
Now that you have established your priorities, the next step is to take a good long look at your current schedule and lifestyle. This part can be difficult at first, but try to work through it without judgment. It will take some give and take on everyone’s part to get into a groove that works. Be patient and kind with yourself as you begin the process of editing your time to align with your values. It is hard work but so worth it!
#4 Protect Your Peace
You may have some guilt once you have created a set of family values in regards to how you spend your time. Some of this guilt may come from internal insecurities, or from others who are having difficulties respecting your new set of boundaries. But hear me when I say this:
You are not a bad mama for not attending that birthday party, skipping that non-mandatory after-work meeting, not enrolling your kid in a 7th sport, or buying store-bought cupcakes for the school’s PTA function. You are a WISE one.
The idea is to keep what serves you and do the brave work of getting rid of what doesn’t. Saying no to things that don’t serve you makes space in your life for the things that do.
If these tips were helpful to you, I would love for you to join me in The Millenials Guide: Corporate to Motherhood for more support on this topic.
Be well friends! xo
Photo Cred: @mamascollectionvol.1
I chose to become a full-time stay-at-home mom just before my son was born. Brian & I made plans and put things in place so that I could step away from my work. But just a few months into my SAHM life I realized that only interacting with my daughter and infant son, cleaning the house, and watching Daniel Tiger was just not my jam.
Making the transition from the corporate world to full-time stay at home mom life can be rewarding. But something that is talked about less frequently is the grief and guilt that associated with leaving the workforce. For many of us, we loved our jobs and felt great satisfaction in the way that we contributed to our field. But our desire to stay at home and care for our kiddos took priority.
If you are feeling lonely, burned out, confused, or even just sad, know that you are not alone. I battled with feeling ungrateful, guilty and overall angry with being "stuck" with caring for my babies. After years of learning to pave my own way in motherhood, here are a few action steps that helped me with the overwhelm.
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