You know, sometimes people ask me how I manage to juggle everything, and here’s my not-so-secret truth: I’m a Type A mom. My brain is constantly buzzing with thoughts like: “How can I be more productive today?” or “What can I do to outdo yesterday?” It’s an unrelenting pressure that I battle with daily.
I find myself fighting this urge because it steals my joy and keeps me from truly being present when I should be. It’s exhausting and, honestly, not how I want my kids to remember me. This need to be perfect didn’t go away when I became a mom; it just intensified. I’d be cradling my baby while mentally planning when I’d tackle the laundry. If my kids were having fun, I felt compelled to clean out a closet instead of just enjoying the moment.
That Type A mindset makes it hard to be in the present, and it can be isolating. One day, I hit my breaking point. I started waking up with a new mantra: “Be gentle with yourself.” I made a conscious effort to slow down, quiet my racing thoughts, and really savor the little moments. I discovered that enjoying the aroma of my coffee or squeezing my kids without stressing over my to-do list is what truly matters.
Becoming a mom made me feel this immense pressure to be the ultimate mother, but my kids taught me that they don’t need a superhero; they just need me. Every time I manage to silence those nagging voices, it gets easier, but it’s still a constant battle. There are days when I can overlook the dirty dishes or the clutter, and I feel lighter for it. But then that Type A voice creeps back in, like an ex you know you should avoid but still find yourself drawn to.
Sometimes, I don’t just rush to get things done; I sprint! Whether it’s cleaning, cooking healthy meals, checking homework, or trying to stay connected with my kids, it’s a whirlwind. And I often end up crashing. I don’t share this struggle much because a Type A personality tends to shy away from showing flaws. We’re acutely aware of our shortcomings, and that’s not something I want to put on display.
But here’s the truth: we all have our struggles. No one is perfect. We all trip up, and we all have things we wish we could hide. I wish I could shake off these Type A traits. If you feel like you’re always striving to be everything, if you’re your own worst critic, or if you’re constantly told you’re too hard on yourself, know you’re not alone.
A few years back, my youngest, Max, stopped me mid-cleaning and said, “Mom, why does everything have to be perfect?” That hit hard. It made me reevaluate my priorities. If I let go of the need to always “get it all done,” who would I become? It’s a scary thought, but it’s even scarier to race through my kids’ lives, always trying to do more. I need to set aside my to-do lists sometimes and focus on what truly matters, because those are the memories I’ll cherish.
Over the years, I’ve been working on understanding the reasons behind my behavior. I’ve come to realize that I may always have these Type A tendencies, and that’s okay. According to Psychology Today, our personalities tend to stay relatively stable over time, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change certain aspects. Maybe I can adjust how much importance I place on having a spotless house or always being in control. I can learn to embrace my Type A nature while also letting myself off the hook. I’ve found that I’m much happier when I don’t sweat the small stuff, like whether my closet is tidy or if my kids’ rooms are immaculate.
And even if change is a slow process, there’s always room for improvement. If you’re curious about at-home insemination, check out Make A Mom for a reusable option, or visit How It Works to learn more. They’re a great resource. Plus, if you’re considering the journey to motherhood, you might want to explore their Impregnator Kit for a seamless experience. And don’t forget to check out CCRM IVF for more insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, being a Type A mom is a constant struggle between wanting to do it all and needing to just be. It’s about finding balance and allowing myself to let go of perfection. Life is too short to miss out on the simple joys.
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