Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the stuff of life. I feel like every area of my life needs improvement. I should be learning more about finances, budgeting, and setting saving goals. I should be feeding our family better – making more wholesome meals and preparing healthy snacks rather than reaching for the quick fix, store-bought shortcuts we’ve been using. I should be organizing our home – from pantry to playroom, to office. I should be creating a style for our home so that it feels peaceful and cozy. I should be setting better health goals for myself – incorporating some type of fitness routine in my life. I should be organizing our time better so that I’m not falling behind on appointments or missing deadlines.
Overall, I feel like I’ve been hiding behind the excuse of being “too busy” to make any real, lasting change. I settle for being somewhere in the middle of the road in every area, but it leaves me feeling like I’m not trying hard enough. When I look to find inspiration in books, online, or even within my circle of friends to help me jumpstart my journey, I feel even more overwhelmed. I feel like I can’t keep up.
Take professional bloggers and social influencers. We get to see only curated snapshots of their life, but wow, it really looks like they have it together. Perfect hair, smooth skin, and trendy clothing. Homes with white kitchens, rugs, and walls and not a hint of clutter. Closets that are perfectly organized and have breathing room between items. Meals that are not only healthy but kid-friendly and creatively presented. They have families, followers, published books…it’s intimidating, to say the least.
Even within my real-life circle, I feel like I don’t measure up. I know moms who have six-packs 6 months after having a baby. Moms who can maintain meticulously beautiful and organized homes even with kids running around. Moms winning women in business or teacher of the year awards, cooking competitions, and outstanding volunteer recognition. Moms starting their own companies or hustling to add a second job to their already very full plates.
Many of these women are close friends and neighbors, and I’m incredibly proud of their accomplishments. I’ve seen the sacrifices, hard work, dedication it takes to reach their goals. However, instead of inspiring me lately, it makes me want to hit the pause button on my life. I just don’t feel like I have the energy, focus, or dedication it takes to make massive changes right now. I’m trying to stay afloat in the life I have and enjoy it instead of continually being on the go or working on improving my life. I’m choosing downtime instead of overtime.
Is this ok to do? I don’t know if I have an answer yet. I struggle between being kind to myself and giving myself a break and wanting to kick myself in the butt to get started on SOMETHING. But I’m giving myself some time to figure it out. To continue focusing on being peaceful in a world that makes you feel like possibilities for improvement are endless. To settle for good enough for now if that’s all I can do. To not make excuses or feel sorry for myself, but to accept the slower pace I’m running at right now.
Where are you on your motherhood journey? Are you making significant changes? Or are you allowing yourself some downtime to figure things out?
Couldn’t agree with this more!!!!