“How many emails are sitting in your inbox right now?” my friend Sarah asked one day. Unsure, I pulled out my phone and checked. “Oh, just a casual 22,432,” I replied. “But that’s across four different accounts,” I added, as if that made the number any less outrageous. Sarah just shook her head. “I honestly have no idea how you manage to live like this, Jessica.”
And you know what? I thrive in this chaos, thank you very much! My laid-back Type B personality isn’t fazed by a mountain of unopened emails, just like I’m usually unfazed by the endless messes my kids create. Sure, the dishes might not all be done before bed, and my pantry may resemble a disaster zone instead of a Pinterest board, but my life motto hangs boldly on a sign above my desk: “IT’S ALL GOOD.”
Type B individuals are often seen as the mellow counterparts to the driven and perfectionist Type As. We are the easygoing, low-stress crowd. As a mom, this personality type comes with its own set of challenges and victories.
The Benefits of Being a Type B Mom
On one side, my Type B nature is perfect for the unpredictability of motherhood. I can’t imagine juggling three kids with vastly different personalities and needs without my innate ability to adapt. Motherhood is a rollercoaster of surprises, thwarted plans, and unexpected hurdles. My easygoing attitude helps me navigate this wild ride.
The Allure of Type A Organization
On the flip side, I can’t help but admire my Type A friends with their meticulously organized calendars and well-planned meals. Walking into their spotless homes, with neatly made beds and pristine countertops, fills me with a mix of envy and admiration. I often daydream about knowing what’s for dinner before 5 p.m. I sometimes wish to experience that organized life for a week, just to see what it’s like to have everything under control.
Admittedly, a natural knack for order and time management would be fantastic. Kids do well with structure and routine—something Type Bs often struggle with. We find it hard to stick to a schedule for long. Our spontaneous tendencies can lead us to feel trapped by too much rigidity, making it tough to maintain a strong sense of order.
Embracing My Type B Nature
There have been moments when I wished I could channel my inner Type A, but I remember the stress of trying to enforce those standards. The pressure to keep everything running smoothly drained me—not because there was anything wrong with those standards, but because they just weren’t me. I appreciate order, yet I refuse to let it consume me. I enjoy organization, but I won’t lose sleep over its occasional collapse.
While I have my own perfectionistic tendencies in certain areas, I’ve realized that motherhood is not one of them. The constantly shifting landscape of parenting makes it impossible, and frankly, undesirable, to strive for perfection.
So I’ve chosen to embrace my Type B nature, rolling with the ebb and flow of life’s orders and routines. I try to get organized, but it inevitably falls apart. I let go, and then I start from scratch. And you know what? I’m okay with that. My home may not be spotless, but I cherish the creative messes my kids make. I can give them the freedom to explore and learn without the urge to control every little thing. I often find myself staying up late with my daughters, having conversations that could easily wait until tomorrow.
My overflowing inbox, while daunting, serves as a symbol of my life—a life filled with abundance, where I don’t sweat the small stuff and manage just fine without everything being perfectly organized. My kids might not pick up the most efficient habits from me, but they will learn to be adaptable and embrace life’s twists and turns. They’ll learn to say, “It’s all good,” and genuinely mean it—even with 22,000 emails waiting for them.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this post on our blog for helpful insights. For a comprehensive guide on at-home insemination, visit Make a Mom. And for a deeper understanding of the IVF process, be sure to read this excellent resource from Parents.com.
Summary
In this lighthearted exploration, Jessica Turner shares the unique trials and triumphs of being a Type B mom. While she acknowledges the perfectionistic tendencies of her Type A friends, she embraces her easygoing nature and the unpredictability of motherhood. Her overflowing inbox is a symbol of a life well-lived, where flexibility and freedom take precedence over rigid organization.