A few thoughts on this mamahood thing:
There will always be more to do each day than feasibly possible.
Each day is supposed to leave us with choices: do I clean up the mess, or do I play with the kids? do I take them for a long walk, or do we stay inside and stoke “the crazy”? do I plan a creative dinner menu, or do I pick five easier meals? do I stay up late to refuel myself, or do I go to bed to refuel my body?
There are hundreds of choices to make every day — things we should be doing, things we want to be doing, things we must be doing, and there is absolutely no way I can get to everything on my should/want/must list. Like, no way.
With how close our kids are in age, I literally can’t even finish one task before needing to stop to check on them. They are busy, creative, intuitive little people — all good things! But, it’s easy to drive myself crazy trying to get through ALL THE THINGS every single day, yet feeling frustrated when I fail over and over.
However, there is hope :) and something I recently reminded myself of is that we have a limited amount of time each day on purpose. We aren’t supposed to be able to get everything done. If everything was done, what would we be living for? Who would we be loving on? What would we look forward to? How would we be able to use our gifts?
Instead of trying to accomplish so much, what if we focused on accomplishing just a few the very best of our abilities?
Each day I pick two things to work on: something that will benefit our home, and something that will benefit our kids. And that’s it! It’s been so freeing.
And speaking of freedom, make sure you read this post if you struggle with feeling overwhelmed and out of season hobbies.
PS. I just love what Moriah had to share about summer break and mamahood:
“I was originally asking God to help me get through this summer, begging him from a survival-mode mentality. But, last night was when I realized that I have nothing I need to be asking for. I already have what I need. Because, He’s inside of me, I am lacking nothing and my “situation” isn’t more than He and I can handle together. He wants good for me, and this next season I’m heading into with my children is such a gift from Him.”
Remember: our time is limited for a reason :) don’t let that get the best of you and your gifts!
This is awesome! I have 2 little ones at home (2 and 4) and my daughter has autism. I also have 2 teens who are about to be home for the summer, so life can be CRAZY. As I am sure you know, sometimes just being able to go into the bathroom and have 3 minutes without someone “helping” me with the toilet paper or digging under the vanity is a luxury. My pastor’s wife once shared that when she was in this season, she had 2 goals each day – (1) time with the Lord, and (2) dinner on the table. I think of that often! Just this morning the littles slept in longer than usual, and I rushed around trying to get some things done. It was a gorgeous morning, and I decided it was time to sit and enjoy the quiet with a book on the back porch. What a gift! Thanks again – I love your perspective and your amazing attitude!
OHHHH, those are also some good goals! And I had to laugh about your 3 minutes alone in the bathroom, ha so very true. The toilet paper on the floor thing is so tempting! ;D
Love this! I work full time, but face the same struggles in the evening. Definitely need to work on setting some goals for each evening because otherwise we end up eating pizza in bed watching movies because this pregnant momma is tired… not that I see my 3 year old complaining about our ‘picnics’.
Yes! And what’s the real truth is we can all relate to this, my post may be focused on mamas who stay at home, but whether you do or don’t, we all have choices to make. I’m so glad you could grab that realization from my post :) you’re amazing.
Thank you for this! I was (am) overwhelmed!!!! Perfect running for me. Thanks
I NEVER comment on posts but I just had to. You spoke my heart here! This is my daily struggle. In my head … On repeat … Is this what I should be doing right now? There is so much to be done constantly! And sometimes feeling guilt creep in when I take some time for myself. Thank you for this post! Simple = better
I’m thrilled you commented! You are doing a great job, and I totally agree: simple = better :)
Love this post!! Great perspective.
Also, what color are your walls?? :)
They’re like a milky beige? Not totally sure on the name/brand, we’re in a rental ;D
You are the best!! Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities with us, it makes me feel so comforted that I am not the only one who has the ever-lasting to do list, while staying home with my little ones! Sometimes, I feel like it is better to not start “daily” jobs or projects because I get behind on other things (housework, housework and housework), but this was SUCH a nice reminder that it will allllways feel like there is more to do, so make what you can do count!! Thank you for the heart refuel :)
Your comment is super meaningful to me, thanks Mara :) ps, love your name!
Thank for this post.
It’s not that I don’t set goals for myself, but I think I set too many.
I will definitely take this to heart and set more realistic, simpler goals!
Someone recently shared with me her job is to stay at home at create a loving environment for her family, she’s not a housekeeper or laundry-er, etc. Equally, her husbands role is to provide for the family financially. Reading that from another mom was so encouraging to me! :) All the extra “tasks” can be shared with our spouses. ::whew::
Keep your chin up :)