As August draws to a close, I feel a familiar excitement bubbling up. It’s time to gather the essentials, kids! Here are some new socks and fresh pencils for you! My inner cheerleader does a little dance because September is finally here. The chaos of summer is behind us, and endless possibilities lie ahead.
With the return of routine, I daydream about all the things I can accomplish. I imagine organizing my cabinets, clearing off my desk so I can actually see my keyboard again, and finally creating those long-overdue photo books from the last few years. I’ll shed those extra pounds, declutter my minivan, and even craft a quilt from my kids’ old t-shirts. Volunteering at school? Absolutely! Maybe even substitute teaching or helping out at the local soup kitchen. I’m determined to be (jazz hands) incredible!
But deep down, I know this desire to be Super Mom is partly fueled by the voice of my younger self, fresh out of college, who thought staying at home was a step back. I want to prove her wrong!
As September rolls in, I envision hours of free time spilling over, allowing me to read, perhaps even write a book! But, reality often intervenes. Between kitchen clean-ups, laundry loads, grocery runs, and shuttling kids to their activities, I blink and suddenly it’s October. I find myself reflecting on unfulfilled dreams.
September feels like a new beginning, much like New Year’s Day, but for moms, kids, and educators. Each year, I set ambitious goals, like running a marathon or cleaning every closet in the house. Yet here I am a year later, and those closets are just as chaotic, with no marathon medal or published book in sight.
So, here’s my advice: Let it go.
You won’t accomplish everything on your list—at least not all at once. There are still dishes to wash, laundry to fold, and homework to review. Being a stay-at-home mom is a demanding full-time job. Instead of a long list of resolutions, consider a simpler, more manageable approach:
- Take a deep breath. You deserve it.
- Acknowledge all the tasks you complete—each load of laundry, every dinner prepped, and homework checked off. You’re doing great!
- Take a moment to reconnect with yourself. Your soul is probably hiding near the washing machine.
- Remember that younger you had no clue about the realities of life.
- Show patience. This phase of parenting will fly by, and soon you’ll find more time for your own pursuits.
- Understand that you are enough, just as you are.
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In summary, as September arrives, let’s shift our focus from overwhelming resolutions to achievable, self-compassionate goals. Embrace the journey of motherhood with grace and patience.