As a mom, you can’t have everything. You’re all like, “Yea, Susan, we already know this”. BUT I spent a really long time thinking that I could. I thought I could be a rockstar at work and climb the corporate ladder, be a crossfit athlete with 6-pack abs, be the crunchy mom who made her own baby purees and packed perfect lunches, and the wife who always looked smokin’ and made the hubs delicious dinners.
Spoiler alert: I was unsuccessful. Even though I was constantly giving to everyone else, I was spread so thin that there wasn’t enough of me to do anything well. Looking back, I was miserable, and just trying to claw my way through each day.
I’ve been on maternity leave with my 3rd tiny human for the last 4 months, and it’s given me a lot of time to think about my approach to life, what was making me unhappy, and how I can do better when it comes to taking care of myself and my family.
There are a few things I decided to do:
- Take some time. I’m taking an extended maternity leave through the end of this year. It’s a huge step of faith since I won’t be making a paycheck, but it’s one that I think is right for me and my family.
- Be present, not perfect. I’m setting aside (most of) my perfectionism, and am working to be more present in the moment with my kids, hubs, family, and friends. This life is meant to be enjoyed and savored, not just mechanically lived.
- Find a passion. I’ve been looking for a creative outlet for a long time. I wasn’t getting enough in my corporate job, and didn’t have time (or energy) to add anything else to my plate, even something I loved. Now that I have the time, I’m excited to share with you all soon what I’m working on!
Right now, I’m not seeking perfection, I’m seeking balance.
I wear stretchy pants pretty much every day.
I have spit-up on my left shoulder and a boob hanging out 50% of the time (nursing mamas, you get me, right?!).
I don’t have 6-pack abs, but I do miss them occasionally.
The kids eating pizza for dinner once a week is totally cool by me.
The hubs gets the tired, makeup free version of me 99% of the time.
BUT I’m happy, and I’m learning to slow down. I’m only putting my energy into the things that make me happiest, and it’s so refreshing.
Take a minute today to think about your balance. What are you doing that doesn’t make you happy? Are any of those things something you can change or shift? Make conscious decisions every day to choose joy for yourself and your family, even if it means sacrificing some things that you used to think were important but are now weighing you down. Your happiness is worth it!
Hill Family Farmstead 