Most days I feel like a hamster on its wheel, running around in circles, crossing daily tasks from my to-do list and wondering when the hell I’m going to get off.
Almost every day I struggle with balance and doubt the sanity of my decisions… Is working from home really a good idea? Do I spend enough quality time with my kids? Do I play with them enough? When I am with them, am I preoccupied with work? Should I forgo the extra income and mental stimulation from working and simply enjoy being home with them? Why, for the life of me, can’t I get supper on the table at a reasonable hour each night? The list goes on and on, as I’m sure it does for most Moms out there, regardless of their choices.
Most days I find myself either frazzled, frustrated or a combination of the two. My oldest won’t listen when asked to get ready for swimming lessons; my youngest melts down when I finally take the car keys away from him so I can drive the car (car keys are his latest obsession)… you get the idea.
So, when I have a day like today*, I really stop and cherish it. Yes, today was a good day. There was cooperation in spades, smiles all around, no yelling or screaming (from me or them!), playing, laughing, having fun. Ah, this was a day to remember! Days like this remind me that the whining, lack of cooperation and tantrums won’t last forever. But those things are all a part of being little and it’s also a stark reminder that my kids won’t be small for long. So, despite my irritation, I need to try and embrace this stage – the good, the bad and the ugly included. After all, I don’t always have the best of days, and I’m an adult.
Today left me with the feeling that I have made the right decisions for me and my family, that I can (in my own twisted way) balance it all – if only for one day. It gives me hope that maybe I can sustain this balance; I just need to figure out what made today different from other days and capitalize on that. Just one more thing to add to my to-do list…
* “Today” was actually a week ago last Thursday! When you have a day as good as that, there’s not usually time to blog!
Oh, I can totally relate to this post! Actually, it's almost as if you have taken the words right out of my mouth. I've been taking yoga classes 2/week, Zumba 1/week and walking/jogging every day. I find I need it…or else I cannot possibly hold myself together. LOL! I only have ONE child and I struggle with it all.
Hugs! You are such an awesome mama!
I LOVE this post! As difficult as it is raising young children while working (in or out of the home), having a clean or at least presentable house and a good healthy meal on the table by 6pm, there are so many great moments to cherish and be happy for. Good for you for seeing the light after such an awesome day. You are doing the right thing, whether you have a good day or a bad one. You're being a good mom 🙂