Before I became a parent, I had a pretty solid understanding of what it meant to be busy. I thought juggling a 40-hour workweek, attending yoga classes, and grocery shopping consumed all my time, leaving little room for anything else I wanted to pursue.
Feel free to chuckle – I was naive.
Fast forward four years and two children later, and my definition of busyness has shifted dramatically. My days are a whirlwind from the moment I wake up until I collapse into bed each night. Sure, I carve out moments to play with my kids, but those moments often get overshadowed by a relentless to-do list.
I know my limits; a messy home drives me up the wall. When my living room resembles a toy store after a clearance sale and I’m stuck in sweatpants because my favorite jeans are in the laundry, I’m not exactly the most pleasant person. Balancing work projects, writing deadlines, and toddler demands feels like walking a tightrope, and my kids can sense my stress, which only adds to the chaos.
While I’m okay with who I am, society—particularly those who love to criticize mothers—seems to have a different agenda. They advocate for letting the dishes pile up in the sink so I can cherish every second with my little ones. They suggest quitting my job to be more “present” in their lives. I can only roll my eyes at their lofty standards.
Let’s get real: my children don’t go ignored. My three-year-old attends full-day preschool, and I spend my days with his cheerful little brother, who loves snuggles. But don’t fool yourself into thinking I’m merely playing peek-a-boo all day. As a work-at-home mom, I dedicate a significant portion of my time to my corporate job, writing for my blog, volunteering, cooking, doing laundry, running errands, and taking the kids to doctor appointments. Thankfully, I have a supportive partner who’s also a fantastic father, but I know many moms tackle these challenges solo or juggle full-time jobs while longing to stay home. My heart goes out to them, and I admire their resilience. Yet, acknowledging my blessings doesn’t ease the stress.
Mothers are bombarded with contradictory advice daily, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything, so it’s crucial for us to prioritize what matters most and find peace in those choices. We should trust our instincts and not let the opinions of others weigh us down.
Both of my parents came from challenging backgrounds and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for my sister and me. My father managed a grocery store while my mother balanced nursing school with raising us. They were exhausted yet committed to creating a brighter future for their children. The values of hard work and sacrifice they instilled in me are lessons I want to pass on to my kids. I want them to witness my dedication and pursuit of my dreams so that they feel empowered to chase their own.
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In summary, being a mother means navigating a complex web of responsibilities while striving to create a fulfilling life for our families. It’s essential to recognize our unique journeys and make choices aligned with our values, regardless of societal expectations.
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