Updated: November 18, 2023
Originally Published: February 6, 2018
I consider myself a dedicated individual. However, certain days leave me questioning my efforts. Allow me to elaborate.
Take a look at the collection of frames in my bedroom. Nearly five years have passed since we first moved into this house, and those photos remain untouched, resting on the floor in the corner of the room. Each time I see them, I think, “I ought to hang those up,” or “Maybe I should donate them,” or even “I should update the images.” But instead of taking action, I find myself frozen in indecision.
I have a thick notebook filled with enticing recipes I’ve clipped from magazines, all compiled with the best intentions. Yet here I am, serving the same meals to my family week after week, with no variety in sight.
I recently sorted through my wardrobe and packed up clothes for donation. Yet they’ve been sitting in my car for two months, spilling out every time I take a turn too quickly.
My desk is cluttered with piles of paperwork—reminders of tasks yet to be accomplished. I need to transfer my wedding video to a DVD before it deteriorates, contact the insurance company regarding a medical claim, use that movie pass before it expires, shred old bills to make room for new ones, make an orthodontist appointment, and purchase a birthday gift.
I’m not alone in this struggle; this is the reality of motherhood. With a family of five, my days often only allow me to complete the essentials: grocery shopping, feeding the kids, taking the dog to the vet, doing laundry, and paying the bills.
As for all those “want-tos”? They linger, constantly reminding me of my perceived shortcomings. I glance around my home at those dusty frames, neglected recipes, and cluttered papers, feeling overwhelmed by the notion that I’m not accomplishing enough.
However, I am starting to recognize an important truth: mothers are not machines. We cannot function endlessly without a break, or we risk burnout. And there’s no easy replacement if we do.
I may aspire to hang those frames or sort through the paperwork tonight after tackling my daily responsibilities, but in reality, what I truly need is to settle on the couch, snuggle with my dog, and enjoy a Netflix binge.
I also need to shift the narrative in my mind to recognize that this doesn’t equate to laziness; it simply reflects my humanity.
To all the mothers out there who collapse into bed each night feeling as if they haven’t done enough, remember this: You are the driving force that keeps your family’s train on track. You are the engine that powers it, and you are the conductor who steers it. You are remarkable. I would bet that today, you did enough.
For more insights on navigating this journey, check out our other blog post here: Intracervical Insemination. If you’re interested in learning about at-home options, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for expectant mothers, the March of Dimes has excellent information on pregnancy week by week.
Summary
This article reflects on the challenges of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the need to recognize one’s own efforts. It encourages mothers to appreciate their roles while acknowledging that they are not machines, and it promotes resources for further support in both parenting and home insemination.