Embracing My Mom Bod and Letting Go of Guilt

Last night, I climbed into bed with a sink full of dirty dishes staring back at me. I briefly considered tackling that mountain of mess before sleep, but exhaustion took over. I decided to let it go, rolled down my sleeves, brushed my teeth, and went to bed. This morning, I realized that after thirty-seven years, four kids, and a global pandemic, I’m ready to embrace those moments of freedom. This year, I’m reclaiming my life, lowering my expectations, and allowing myself to live guilt-free.

Starting today, I’m giving myself permission to stop feeling bad about the following:

Ordering Takeout

On those nights when cooking feels like a chaotic game show, I’m choosing to embrace who I really am: a mom who doesn’t whip up casseroles and a human whose kids often bicker at the dinner table. Cheers to having the local pizza place on speed dial and letting everyone eat at their own pace.

Letting My Kids Take a Break

While the pandemic was tough, it did teach us the value of downtime. I plan to occasionally give my kids a free pass to skip a practice or take a mental health day from school. Sure, I recognize the importance of commitments, but our schedules are packed with activities for little ones, and I’m passionate about giving them the breaks they deserve.

Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

As someone who’s both sensitive and social, boundaries are essential for me. While I enjoy establishing them, I often struggle to uphold them and deal with the fallout. In 2022, I’m prioritizing my boundaries to enhance my family’s happiness and my own peace of mind.

Ignoring Text Messages

I know it’s not polite, but I simply can’t be available all the time anymore. As I work on my phone addiction, I’m giving myself the freedom to not respond immediately. Sometimes I forget, sometimes I don’t know how to reply, and sometimes I just don’t want to. So, if you see silence from me, think of it as my phone’s way of saying, “Taking a mental health break, be back later (maybe).”

Forgoing Hosting Duties

Holiday gatherings and cookouts? No longer my responsibility. I’ve realized that I often end up stressed instead of enjoying time with friends and family. So, I’ll only host when it feels genuinely good for me.

Embracing My Mom Bod

At this stage in life, I’ve spent far too long battling with my body. The reality of my pooch is here to stay, and it’s time I accept it. Nobody is scrutinizing me like I fear, and my mind has way more pressing matters to tackle. Plus, it’s a gift to my daughters and a “screw you” to societal standards — embracing my body as it is!

No More Excuses

I often feel compelled to provide elaborate excuses when declining invitations. This year, I’m opting for straightforward “no thank you” responses, allowing myself to say no based on my feelings, whether it’s anxiety or just plain laziness. I already feel lighter.

So, who’s ready to join me? Let’s cast aside guilt and expectations in 2022 and allow ourselves a little freedom. The last couple of years have been tough, and we all deserve a break.

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