As the clock strikes 3 PM, after a marathon of managing chaos and tackling laundry, I can feel that familiar tug. With the day winding down and the soft light of the setting sun streaming through my kitchen, restlessness creeps in.
“No, not yet,” I remind myself. “It’s too early. Be patient.”
I immerse myself in the endless tasks that come with being a stay-at-home parent, the same routine I’ve repeated countless times. The clock ticks away, each second bringing me closer to the arbitrary hour I’ve deemed acceptable. The kids swarm around me, inquiring about dinner, while the television blares the latest headlines. My kitchen resembles a battlefield, littered with backpacks, crumpled homework, and the beginnings of a meal.
Laundry sits unfolded for yet another day. The weight of my freelancing commitments, combined with the responsibilities of being the primary caregiver, looms large. I empty the dishwasher once more, casting a glance out the window and feeling as if I’m drowning in a sea of unmanageable mess. My life feels like it’s not mine anymore; I’m exhausted from being a constant source of support for everyone in my home.
I am weary.
Motherhood is no small feat.
Wine offers a moment of solace.
The bottle sits enticingly on my counter, a familiar companion. Half-full from last night’s indulgence, it beckons me closer. I reach for the wine glass in the cabinet, anticipating the sweet taste of red wine and the rich aroma of tannins that will soon envelop me.
I feel the cool glass in my hands and hear the satisfying pop of the cork as I pour my daily dose of sanity. The noise of chaos begins to fade as I focus on the swirling crimson liquid filling my glass. As I lift it to my lips, my shoulders drop, and I savor a long, satisfying sip. I feel revitalized, like I’m reconnecting with an old friend. Happy hour is officially underway.
This has become my routine.
I eagerly anticipate that daily glass of wine, and sometimes it makes me uneasy. I chuckle at the jokes my friends share about needing to unwind with a bottle after a demanding day with kids. I share memes on social media about motherhood and alcohol. As I sip at gatherings, I can’t help but wonder if other moms feel the same way.
Do they worry about their alcohol consumption?
Am I alone in my concerns?
As a nurse, I’ve seen the signs of alcoholism. I’ve witnessed the effects on individuals who can’t manage their drinking, from the slurring drunk at a wedding to the friend who’s perpetually buzzed. I’ve held the hands of patients suffering from liver failure, listening to their loved ones’ regrets and wishes that they had intervened sooner.
But that’s not me.
I choose the good stuff. Served in crystal. Like a sophisticated adult.
Still, I find myself reaching for wine more often than not. Sometimes, it’s more than one glass. I drink to ease social anxiety, to celebrate Friday nights with my husband as we lounge while our kids play outside, or even just because it’s Tuesday.
My children have witnessed me intoxicated a few times, and I carry the weight of shame as I nurse a hangover the next day. I tell them that adults make mistakes, that Mommy had a little too much. I promise it won’t happen again. As I sip on seltzer and hope for a quick recovery, I tell myself to stick to my usual glass of wine.
Because motherhood is tough. And wine helps.
I often chat with friends about their drinking habits, trying to gauge if I’m within normal limits. As I downplay my weekly consumption, I suspect they do the same. We discuss the pressures of motherhood—how it’s often overwhelming and exhausting. We find solace in knowing that alcohol gives us a brief escape from the daily chaos. We clink our glasses filled with rosé, convinced that we’re just moms who enjoy a drink.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the complexities of motherhood and the role of alcohol, you can read about it here. And if you’re considering at-home options for insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom provide quality kits. For additional support on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this resource.
In summary, motherhood is a challenging journey filled with moments of joy, stress, and the occasional glass of wine. While it offers a brief respite, it’s essential to maintain a balance and remain mindful of our choices.
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