I had a breakdown this past weekend. It wasn’t exactly my proudest moment—especially during spring break, while driving back from an exhausting eight-hour road trip.
Spring break is typically viewed as an opportunity for teachers and parents to unwind and bond with family. However, for many mothers, it can quickly transform into a chaotic time filled with packing, unpacking, laundry, and planning for the return to routine. That was me, operating at full capacity, close to losing control.
For months, I’ve juggled the demands of parenting, a challenging job, managing our household, nurturing my website (which feels like another full-time role), attending to our son’s special needs, and trying to prioritize my health—all while navigating my husband’s and my opposite work schedules. My mind buzzes with anxiety, keeping me awake at night and distracting me throughout the day.
And amidst all this, I feel like I’m failing.
So, while driving through the mountains of West Virginia, it all came crashing down. Overwhelmed, I turned to my husband, tears welling in my eyes, and said, “I can’t keep doing this anymore.” That moment of honesty was a turning point for me; he had no idea how overwhelmed I truly felt.
Instead of diving into my usual list-making, I’ve started learning the power of saying no.
- No, I can’t contribute to the staff potluck next week.
- No, I can’t be there for your event next weekend.
- No, we will not be chaperoning prom.
- No, I can’t stay late for additional tutoring.
This last one hits hard, but I just can’t stretch myself any thinner.
This journey of learning to say no is challenging and feels counterintuitive. However, it’s essential for our well-being. Many mothers are like superheroes, accomplishing incredible feats, but we must recognize our limits. The dishes will still be there, and I can forgo hours at the gym this month to take a walk during my lunch break. My children will not suffer if I tuck them back into bed instead of letting them keep me up all night. If I reach out, my husband will support me.
I am just beginning to understand this simple yet heavy two-letter word, one that often brings guilt and shame. I’ve realized that if I continue to say yes to everything that clutters my to-do list, I will end up exhausted and unfit for my family, my husband, or myself. To learn more about various family planning methods, you can check out sites like intracervicalinsemination.com and Make a Mom, which are authorities on the topic. Additionally, this Wikipedia page offers great insights into artificial insemination and related topics.
In summary, embracing the word “no” can be liberating and is an essential step toward maintaining our mental health and family balance. It’s about prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of the rest.