Embracing My Mom Pooch: A Journey to Guilt-Free Living

Last night, I went to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes. I spotted them just before heading upstairs and reluctantly rolled up my sleeves, knowing I should tackle the mess before morning. But somewhere between turning on the faucet and grabbing the soap, I hesitated—utterly drained. Instead of facing the pile, I let my sleeves drop back down, climbed the stairs, brushed my teeth, and went to bed. This morning, after thirty-seven years, four kids, and one global pandemic, I’ve decided to grant myself more moments of freedom, just like that one. This year, I’m reclaiming control, lowering my standards, and allowing myself to live guilt-free.

Starting today, I will no longer feel guilty about:

Ordering Takeout

On nights when preparing dinner for my four little ones feels like a chaotic game show combined with an adventure film, I will embrace the option to order takeout. I accept that I’m not the casserole-making mom and that my kids often bicker at the dinner table. Here’s to having the local pizza place on speed dial and letting everyone enjoy their meal independently.

Letting My Kids Play Hooky

While the pandemic has been challenging, it forced a slowdown that helped my children and me appreciate the beauty of boredom and open space. Moving forward, I’ll occasionally allow my kids to skip a practice or take a mental health day from school. I understand the importance of commitments, but we have created intense schedules for little minds and bodies, and I’m passionate about giving them mental and physical breaks when they need them.

Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

As a sensitive extroverted introvert, I love to talk about boundaries and set them, but I often struggle to enforce them—especially when it comes to their consequences. In 2022, I recognize their significance. I want to amplify my “no” power to enhance my family’s happiness and my own sanity.

Ignoring Text Messages

I know it’s rude, but I can’t be constantly available anymore. As I work on my phone addiction, I need to free myself from the obligation to respond. Sometimes I forget, sometimes I’m unsure how to reply, and sometimes I simply don’t want to. In our always-connected world, I find it anxiety-inducing and annoying. Consider my silence as my phone’s version of an away message: “Taking a mental health break, be back later (maybe).”

Forgoing Hosting Responsibilities

Holiday gatherings and friendly cookouts, beware: I’ve decided that organizing events isn’t my job anymore. I wish I could be the relaxed host who enjoys the festivities, but I often end up running around in a frenzy instead of soaking up precious moments with my kids. While they’re still small, I’m reclaiming those moments for myself and will only host when it truly feels right.

Embracing My Mom Body

I’ve spent far too long battling the space between my belly button and my vagina, and I’m tired of it. The reality of this pooch is here to stay, and it’s time I accept it. Nobody is scrutinizing me, and my mind has far more important problems to solve. Plus, embracing my body is a gift to my daughters and a big “screw you” to societal expectations.

Stopping Excuses

I struggle to decline invitations with a simple “no thank you” and instead resort to elaborate justifications. This year, I’m trading my wild excuses for straightforward RSVPs, giving myself permission to say no based on instinct, anxiety, or plain laziness. It already feels liberating.

So, who’s with me? Let’s cast aside guilt and expectation in 2022 and allow ourselves to be a little freer. The past couple of years have been tough, the world is still chaotic, and parenting is incredibly challenging, and we all deserve some relief.

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Summary:

In this heartfelt reflection, Jessica Monroe shares her journey toward guilt-free living as a busy mom of four. She embraces the messiness of life, allowing herself to order takeout, give her kids a break, set boundaries, ignore texts, and accept her mom body. With newfound clarity, she encourages fellow parents to let go of expectations and embrace their authentic selves.