Embracing the Beautiful chaos of motherhood
When we first start our journey of parenthood, managing the household chores seems relatively manageable. But as our family grows, so do our responsibilities. We find ourselves juggling an increasing number of tasks, from maintaining a clean home to nurturing our children's needs. However, in the midst of this chaos, it's crucial to pause and reflect on what truly matters. I want to share my personal experience and encourage every mother out there to prioritize self-care and cherishing the precious moments with our children, even if it means letting go of some of the endless tasks on our to-do list.
When my husband Trevor and I started our family, it was a different story. With just one baby, we were two relatively tidy adults managing the house effortlessly. But as time went on, we welcomed four children into our lives, all aged six and under. Trevor's demanding work on the farm left me with the responsibility of managing the home, preparing meals, taking care of school-related matters, and attending to our kids' various activities. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
I soon found myself struggling to keep up with the never-ending laundry, the constant dust that accompanies living in the countryside, and the pile of dishes that seemed to multiply overnight. Some days, I was mentally and physically exhausted, unable to muster the energy for yet another task. It was during one of these moments that I took a step back and evaluated my priorities.
I realized that I needed to redefine what was truly important. Was it having perfectly made beds, spotless floors, and homemade everything? Or was it about creating precious memories with my children and taking care of my own well-being? The answer became clear. I decided to normalize some mess, accept that not everything would always be done, and ask for help when needed.
From that moment on, I made a conscious decision to prioritize the moments that truly mattered. Instead of obsessing over tidying up shoes at the entryway, I chose to read books with my children in the morning, nurturing their love for storytelling. I traded homemade treats for store-bought indulgences after an exhilarating trampoline session together. And rather than obsessing over spotless floors, I allowed myself the luxury of a much-needed nap before shuttling my little ones to soccer practice.
Through this process, I realized that my choices were not only for my own well-being but also for the sake of my daughters. I wanted to ensure they grew up knowing that they didn't have to "have it all together" all the time and that asking for help was not a sign of weakness. By embracing imperfection and focusing on what truly mattered, I was setting an example for them—an example of self-care, balance, and cherishing the moments that would create lifelong memories.
So today, I want to extend this encouragement to all mothers out there who find themselves exhausted, torn between the demands of daily life and their own well-being. If you're faced with the choice of tidying up or doing something that brings joy to your heart and your children's lives, I urge you to choose the latter. Embrace the mess, let go of the guilt, and make beautiful memories. Take that much-needed breath and don't forget to prioritize yourself. It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to not have everything under control.
As mothers, we carry a tremendous load of responsibilities, and it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of chores and tasks. However, by reevaluating our priorities and normalizing imperfection, we can create space for what truly matters: love, laughter, and cherished moments with our children. So, dear mama, don't be afraid to let the shoes at the front entryway wait. Take care of yourself, make beautiful memories, and savor the journey of motherhood.
💕xo, Whitney
#makethelittlethingsmatter #momsoffour #morecoffee #embracethemess
