I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get a bit overly optimistic about Mondays… Or, well any day really. I always set these somewhat lofty, unrealistic goals for myself and then just end up disappointing myself in the end because I can’t get it all accomplished. It’s exhausting. And it wears on a person day in and day out.
So, what’s the solution?! Stop it, girl! Just, stop it! And, that’s exactly what I told myself today, {or that clever little voice inside my head did} “Stop it Candace! You’re creating your own madness!” So, today I made a promise to myself to stop setting myself up for failure.. Stop making my to-do list for the day something only superwoman can achieve.. Stop thinking the day-to-day has to be something out of a damn movie. Why?! Because that’s not life! Come on, let’s be honest here…
No one wakes up with their hair looking perfect. It’s in a messy bun for crying out loud! Some days I’m in my PJs until noon — and not because I want to be. And, I highly doubt most children wake up saying, “Good morning mommy. I love you. Can I please have a healthy bowl of fresh fruit with a side of nutritious, protein-filled eggs?” I mean maybe other kids do. I don’t know. But, I can tell you my kid wants milk, and her “cereal wif da marshmallows” and “choc-it muppins (aka chocolate muffins).” And, let me tell you, you don’t want to fight her on it. You just don’t. Trust me. Been there done that. It sets the tone for the entire day ahead, and it’s not a pleasant one either.
And, don’t even get me started on dressing for the day. I don’t know what it is, but I always feel like my girls have to be in a sweet little outfit, with a bow that matches perfectly. Who the hell said that’s the way it should be? No one! Want the truth? My little Finley insisted on wearing her bubble gum long-sleeve shirt — which is a tad small might I add, with shorter sleeves up above the wrist bone and a shorter shirt tail, showing off her belly — with her long pink leggings. Um, hello child? It’s July, and it’s 90+ degrees outside. And at nap time, we wanted to wear one blue sock and one green sock “with the hole in it.” I mean, whatever child!
Finally, are there ever enough hours in the day? Um, I’ll go ahead and answer that one… No! And, do you actually think once you start a task, you’re not going to be interrupted by a fussy baby, a needy 2-year-old or two fighting siblings? Probably not. It’s cool mamas. Take a deep breath, and take it one task at a time. You got this, trust me!
And most importantly… DO WHAT WORKS! Stop worrying about what Facebook supermom is doing and DO YOU! Let her clean the house from top to bottom each week. Let her feed the kids a home cooked meal 3 times a day. Let her dress herself + her kids in perfectly matching outfits with a bow a top. That’s what works FOR HER and NOT YOU! And, you know what?! That’s ok! Your to-do list doesn’t have to mimic hers — and it shouldn’t because YOU are not HER. {Read that again} Start setting goals for yourself each day that you know you can achieve and stop creating unneeded / unwanted stress. It’s not worth it! And you don’t deserve it.
You’re doing just fine mama. And don’t for a second think that I don’t continue to struggle with this each day because I do. It’s a daily battle. But, we’ve all just got to take it one day at a time. One step at a time. And just go with it!
