I get emails every single day from other moms, asking how on earth I do all that I do.
I hear the desperation in their voice, even while just reading the text….. it’s hard, everyone feeling like the other person has it all together. It is time to share with you all – in this big public space how in fact I do not do it all, nor do I ever want you to get the feeling that I do!
Last week my heart resonated with this post from my good friend Myra over at My Blessed Life. She shared how in fact, she doesn’t do it all either! I could relate to her post SO MUCH and felt it was time again…..to share with you all the stuff that is reality for me and my home.
I have a housecleaner
Yep, I do. This started about a year and a half ago as my blog and coaching business began to require more time from me and I had to find something that could be done by someone else. I honestly really do enjoy cleaning my house – I mean I developed the Weekly Household Planner so I could easily keep up with things and also wanted to help other moms, but there came a point when something had to give.
There was someone anxious to come clean my house and it helped their family as well. A double win!!
My husband helps – A LOT
I am truly blessed because I have a husband who is very good at stepping in and helping me out. You see, this can be very challenging as I HATE to ask for help. I am terrible – or very stubborn is more the term. Even though my husband travels three and a half days during the week, when he is home he is amazing. He will do the grocery shopping for me, he will run errands and he loves to do ‘projects’ with our four year old.
I fail
There are many days when things just do not get done, even from me – the QUEEN of to-do lists. I have yet to really find a balance for myself on what I can realistically expect to get done in a day, but it is a process for me. Learning more about myself as I ‘grow-up’ here! Yes, I am 47 and still not grown up. I learn that when I cram too much in my day, I get cranky, bitter and lose my patience just like other moms. Instead of dwelling on that, I pick myself up – brush myself off, apologize to the person whom I just lost it with, and persevere.
“I don’t know where you are today, you may be hanging on by a thread. I write this to remind you that even in the ashes, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. It is HIS Grace that will carry you. Because it is amazing.” – Kristen Welch, We Are That Family
I do not have an organized pantry
I try….but rarely is my pantry organized!! I like to keep things neat, but hey – I have a total of six of us in the house, plus a dog! And I am out numbered with boys in my home too. I will never have one of those Pinterest rated pantry’s. Never, and I am okay with it!
I do not always get up at the crack of dawn
This is something I feel strongly about, finding my time with God and settling into my day – even if I harp and harp on this topic, there are days where I just don’t make it early. I may have stayed up too late or just need some extra sleep. I have to give myself grace, I am in a season of my life where my body is fighting back and when I am not forgiving, everyone around me suffers.
Chronic Depression, which I have thankfully been able to managed well with a healthier lifestyle as well as symptoms from Lupus can really impact my ability to enjoy certain things others may take for granted. I must celebrate the little things and be grateful.
So there you have it – the real side of who I am and what really happens on this side of the screen. I have never said I was perfect or that I can manage it all myself, but I think it can often be seen that way, by those of you who come here. My desire is to encourage you and empower you in your role in the home, so bringing a touch of reality into the picture is truly important.
I must keep in mind several things each day and I encourage you to keep things in perspective as well:
I am 47, not a young mom by any means. I have a house of 6 – a 21 year old, 17 year old, 13 year old and a 4 year old and my husband all coming and going (oh, and a dog that needs my attention too!) Our schedules are really messy – especially as a blended family. My life does not look normal by any respect. Each day is completely different – and add in that each week my husband travels different days. I have two home based businesses that need my attention, a home to care for and a body that had some unique challenges.
There are some days I do not get out of my pajamas – YEP! That is true!
So I give myself grace and try to keep perspective.
What areas do you find you need to give yourself grace?
