Zack is still working in Los Angeles, while the kids and I are in Detroit, and most days I feel like I handle life just fine. (I do have a big “all the details about our move back to Michigan” blog post typed (and I will publish it soon), but helloooooooo, I’m one gal trying to keep an eye on a small tribe of toddlers, including a dog, while 7 months pregnant ;) so I’m a tiny bit delayed in some areas.) But, I digress…
Yesterday felt like a particularly life-changing day for me, considering our current situation. It was amazing. I’ve been feeling more and more and more weary over all we have going on, and finally the weariness broke. Instead of feeling solution-less, I decided to take control and find some solutions.
Here is what helped me:
+ FOOD: It always amazes me how important it is to fill our bodies with nutritious food. Every time I cook, every time I serve a meal that will positively fuel our bodies, I am amazed over the benefits. So that was my first solution to ending my weariness :)
+ CHANGE: Next up was re-routing some of the difficulties that come with parenting a toddler who is truly confused about what’s going on. Max knows something is different about our life right now, but what he doesn’t understand is the WHY (or when it be “normal” again). Letting go of some of the control that so easily comes with parenting was key. Instead of trying to keep control, my focus is now on guiding him (and letting him make more decisions himself).
+ INSPIRATION: And then lastly, I needed to be creative within our home. We need a few big pieces of furniture: a large bookshelf, a round breakfast nook table, and a dresser for our bedroom. And while we’re waiting to make these purchases, yesterday I realized I could empty a few boxes and still find some creative inspiration. Emptying these boxes meant I was able to tidy up the smaller areas of our home, which in turn meant I was able tidy up the larger areas of our home. It all started by using Command Strips to hang a peach-colored garland above our couch. (I’m trying to avoid making any nail holes.) As yesterday evening wrapped up, I had added another layer of moss-colored garland (both made with this super easy yarn technique) and a creamy white vintage frame. Texture and layers and color: my three favorite accessories :)
This may be one of my most random blog posts, but it’s an important one for me personally. Yes, we are in a really difficult stage of life right now. Yes, we are in a really exciting stage of life right now. Yes, we are beyond blessed. Yes, I am beyond tired. Yes, I know this season will pass. Yes, it is possible to get through the hard moments and find joy.
And so that is my wish for you, to let go of your weariness and do what you know is best (and possible). You can do it! :)
I always love reading posts where you balance how you’re feeling with being creative. Creativity is such a wonderful outlet for stress, and it’s amazing at how making our homes a comfortable place of rest seems to help with the chaos life throws at us sometimes.
Side note, thanks to your tutorial, I’ve been enjoying finger knitting, and would love to see the different ways you incorporate the pieces into your home. Love the apricot garland above the couch. :)
Zack thinks I should tie it in a knot, like a boating rope knot, and hang it on the wall that way ;D
Hugs to you!♥I have been where you are as a Mom also and now my kids are 22, 21, 17, and 16!! One thing I STILL do for myself is to buy fresh flowers like you have in the picture to brighten up and bring cheer to our home. :)
Morning, Cindy! Would you believe those are from Zack? He sent me those last week. I love fresh flowers, my friend Lisa Leonard always buys a little bundle when she’s grocery shopping — I love that idea! :)
Awww how sweet Zac bought you those flowers! :) I thought you might like to see I went to Trader Joe’s and decided it was a TWO bunch kinda day for fresh flowers!♥ I sent a private message to you on FB with the pictures! Love your blog and ideas! Have a wonderful Valentines Day weekend!!~Cindy
Girl, you are ROCKSTARING it. That’s a verb. For you. {wink}
I think it’s important to acknowledge what you did – what makes life a little easier + more enjoyable, especially in those harder seasons.
Keep rockstaring it. XO
Haha, you are so amazing!!! Love the verb!!!!
I love your blog but I’ve never commented! I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your posts and your perspective. So encouraging for me as a new mama! It’s really refreshing how real AND positive you are.
Xo
Thank you so much, Kelly!!!!!!!!! It is hard sometimes to be honest, but I’m so grateful to have this community to share what I’m learning. We are a great time, grateful you’re a part of it :)
I find it refreshing that you are able to acknowledge the hard time, and yet still rest in the peace of knowing it’s temporary and that it’s ok that it’s hard right now.
My tendency seems to be always wanting to fix or change things.
I’m 34.5 weeks pregnant with our first, and I feel like I’m approaching the brink of major change. [Actually, I KNOW I am haha.] I am feeling all the things right now as this huge change approaches. Giving myself permission to feel everything is a little tough for me, but freeing at the same time.
Blessings to you in this season, Maggie!
You’re so honest and optimistic. I love it. It’s inspiring. Honestly, you have an outlook on life I would like to aspire to. For me I think that means lots of practice, and patience, and practice on that patience, but your posts are always such a refreshing reminder :) Bless you! <3 and good luck on this season of your life.
Maggie, I don’t know how you do it. I have an almost three year old and a one year old, and I am sometimes at the end of my joy rope by the time my husband gets home. I would have to muster up a lot of selflessness to stay happy while taking care of the little ones all evening too. Seriously, your ability to find the blessings is so humbling for me.
Good job keeping on with three precious ones you have! I will be excited to read the post when you tell us Zach is back with you guys!
We’re entering a similar stage of life right now and I’m feeling so encouraged by you. Thanks for sharing your journey and I can’t wait to hear more when you get around to sharing.
Maggie, I totally understand that weary feeling! Trying to be Mama to the kids with a Hubs who isn’t home… let’s just say it’s been my life for almost 2 years now! Thanks for the tips… I’ve been trying to eat better, and that has made all the difference! {And running!} We’re almost at the end of our “daddy being away all the time” journey. I’m SO looking forward to moving into our new house!
This is my first time discovering your blog and this post resounds so well with me. The past couple months I have been in the dull drums of the first trimester of my 3rd pregnancy. i feel like I have been robbed of my energy, motivation, creativity and subsequently joy. I know it is just a short season, but it has been very depressing to fail to accomplish all the beautiful things I expected to do so far this year. You have encouraged me to do what I can creatively to dispel my weariness and right now that looks like working on finishing old crochet projects.
Love this. :)