As I prepared for another chaotic evening, my family was already strapped in the car, ready to head to a swim team pep rally. I had decided to delay pulling the food from the oven until the last possible moment. Like many parents, I often bring snacks to keep our little swimmers energized, but I’m also the one tasked with managing all the essentials for our outings.
5:56 p.m. Time to go.
With a strategic mindset, I began to load up. First, I hefted the oversized, navy-and-green monogrammed swim bag onto my left shoulder. Then, I turned off the oven and laid the serving spoon gently onto the aluminum foil covering the massive tray of pasta. I slipped my hands into mismatched oven mitts and, with a swift kick of my leg, closed the oven door like a seasoned pro.
My partner, Mike, would never pull this off.
Fortunately, he had left the side door ajar, and I nudged it open with my foot. Just as I was about to step out, a pacifier caught my eye. That little piece of BPA-free blue plastic could be the deciding factor between a serene evening and a tantrum-filled nightmare. We needed it.
Okay, I can manage this.
I nestled my right hand beneath the tray, balancing it precariously. With my left hand, I shook off the oven mitt onto the floor and leaned down for the pacifier.
I reached. I grabbed.
And then disaster struck. The tray tilted too far, and instinctively, my left hand reached out to steady it. But the pan had just come from the oven! I focused all my energy on keeping it balanced.
I can handle this!
Yet, as my wrist contorted to regain control, the hot edge of the pan grazed my arm, sending a shock of pain through me. I screamed, and the entire dish crashed to the floor, scattering noodles everywhere.
Did that just happen?
I stood frozen, staring at the mess at my feet, feeling defeated. In a fit of frustration, I tossed the pacifier into the noodles and dramatically hurled the serving spoon out into the carport. My husband, hearing the commotion, got out of the car and approached with a puzzled look. “Why were you trying to carry so much?” he asked.
Roar!
After some much-needed cleanup, we finally made it to the pool. While the kids munched on snacks, I shared my noodle disaster with a neighbor, showing her my burned arm. She then opened up about her recent diagnosis, one that would change her life forever. “I’m overwhelmed and don’t know how I’ll manage it all,” she confessed, tears welling in her eyes.
Mike’s question echoed in my mind, “Why were you trying to carry so much?”
Dear friends, it’s time to let go of something.
Ladies, when did we become so burdened? How did we come to believe we must carry more than we can handle? I see everyone juggling too much, and we all seem rushed and overcommitted. Each of us wants to do it all or feels guilty if we can’t. In my journey through motherhood, I’ve often felt a relentless pressure to “pick it all up.”
But what if I’m tuning into the wrong frequency? In moments of stillness, I hear a gentle voice urging me to put some things down.
In this stage of motherhood, I possess the strength to manage the responsibilities that come with raising young children. However, I refuse to let busyness and unnecessary obligations overshadow the joy I wish to cultivate. It’s crucial for me to prioritize my to-do list so I don’t accidentally drop happiness, peace, or kindness.
We each carry unique burdens, and while some seasons demand we bear heavy loads, no one can do this indefinitely. This year, I’ve resolved to carry only what I must and what truly matters. I won’t allow myself to be so overloaded that I lose sleep to anxiety. Life already presents its challenges, and for now, I want to focus on holding my children’s hands and cherishing my relationship with Mike.
So, if you see me letting go of something, you’ll understand why. You’re welcome to join me in this journey. Because, quite simply, we cannot carry it all.
For more insights on managing the complexities of motherhood and fertility, check out this article, and for authoritative resources on home insemination, visit Make a Mom and Medical News Today for excellent information.
In summary, life’s demands can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to recognize when we need to lighten our load. Embracing a more manageable approach allows us to focus on what truly matters: our well-being and our families.