Have you seen those pandemic memes? Not the funny ones about homeschooling your children, or about how couples might end up divorced after being together 24/7, but the ones that “inspire” us to become better during this quarantine. They are “to-do” lists, like reading a book you haven’t been able to read in 5 years, or working on that “side hustle,” or getting to those house projects that you’ve just been putting off for too long.
Well, I’m here to tell you that I think those dreams of overachievement are ridiculous. Just curious, how many of us have lived through a pandemic before? One in which we are locked down in our homes, only leaving the house for essentials? Yea, that would be none of us. As we have heard many times, this is an unprecedented time in which we are living. Why are we trying to make it more difficult on ourselves by telling ourselves that we aren’t doing enough?
These expectations do not exist only during a pandemic, they also exist daily… all moms can attest to this. But now more than ever, everyone is feeling so many things at once. I can admit to feeling happy for things slowing down, sad for missing my family, watching our newest baby grow, mad that I am stuck at the house, frustrated that homeschooling has really tested my patience, grateful for my little tribe that keeps me going, and this list could go on and on.
I want to put it out there that whatever makes YOU happy and keeps YOU surviving throughout this time, is what YOU should be doing and you should keep on doing it. Whether it’s vegging on the couch watching a Netflix series, enjoying a glass of wine or tea once all the kids go to bed, going for daily walks, or starting a new workout routine, eating a little extra dessert after dinner…. any of that is acceptable. No one should feel bad that they aren’t doing the “right” thing.
This also goes both ways. If you want to start that new book, work on your personal side hustle, get some projects done around the house… well that’s great, too. If there is one thing we can do during this time, it can be to let go of judgment and expectation and do what makes us happy, no matter what that is. And most importantly, don’t feel bad or beat yourself up over it.
I don’t want to sound like I’m preaching, because this is a pep talk I need to give myself weekly, if not daily. I love writing for Ur Basic Mom, but I haven’t gotten myself together enough to write an article until now, and luckily these moms get it. I have been engrossing myself in a new workout program, and indulging when I need to. I have been pulling my hair out one minute and then hugging my kids like crazy the next. I’m on maternity leave, and I’ve never missed going to work so much in my life. I’m happy and sad and everything in between, but I’m trying to give myself grace, and I want you to give yourself some grace, too.
So, if you take anything from this ranting and raving of mine, it’s that we need to make ourselves happy right now. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, or not doing. Everyone is suffering some sort of loss right now… free time, graduations, weddings, baby showers, etc. Let’s give each other a break from the expectations and if we can take anything from this time, it could be to give ourselves grace on a daily basis.
You are always enough, no matter what. Every. Single. Day.
I wanted to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to look at new things you post…