Parenting can sometimes feel overwhelming, can’t it? We often find ourselves caught in what some call the Superwoman Syndrome—trying to juggle everything and ending up completely exhausted. The term may have some outdated connotations, but the underlying truth remains: we’re feeling the pressure to do it all. Society often implies that we should manage every task perfectly, which can be utterly draining.
Fortunately, many of us are starting to push back against these unrealistic expectations. While growth and self-improvement are admirable goals, they often come wrapped in images of perfection. We tend to add new aspirations to our to-do lists, forgetting that achieving these requires letting go of other tasks. It’s crucial to say “no” to the things that don’t resonate with us so we can fully commit to what truly matters.
As the new year approaches, everyone is buzzing with resolutions—plans to meditate daily, run marathons, or whip up healthy meals every evening. But let’s be real. For many of us, that’s just not feasible.
That’s why I was inspired by a piece from a mom named Sarah Thompson, who proposed the idea of an “I Don’t” list. “Everyone has an ‘I Don’t’ list, and it varies from person to person,” she wrote in her article on a parenting site that’s made waves online. “Most of us don’t have the luxury of endless choices when it comes to what we do. Often, we’re left to prioritize in a brutally honest way.”
Sarah highlights that while some items on our personal “I Don’t” lists may stem from privilege, it’s essential to note that everyone’s list is unique. What matters is creating a sense of balance in our own lives without judging how others manage theirs.
So, taking a cue from Sarah—and embracing my own anti-resolutions mindset—I’ve crafted my own “I Don’t” list and encourage you to do the same.
- I don’t get a full eight hours of sleep each night (or even seven, if I’m being honest).
- I don’t meal plan in advance.
- I don’t prepare home-cooked dinners every evening.
- I don’t follow a nightly skincare routine (most nights, I skip washing my face altogether—gasp!).
- I don’t floss every night.
- I don’t meditate regularly.
- I don’t practice yoga or stretching.
- I don’t oversee my children’s homework.
- I don’t volunteer at their schools.
- I don’t engage in Facebook groups.
- I don’t maintain a balanced diet (carbs are my weakness!).
- I don’t network like I probably should.
- I don’t do arts and crafts with my kids.
- I don’t remember birthdays until it’s already too late to call.
There you have it—my “I Don’t” list. Sure, I could write a lengthy “I Do” list highlighting everything I manage to accomplish by letting go of these burdens, but honestly, that’s not the point. We’re all aware that we’re juggling a million things. What we truly need is the freedom to stop doing what overwhelms us.
This year, consider skipping the usual New Year’s resolutions and create your very own “I Don’t” list instead. Embrace it, celebrate it, and resist the temptation to feel guilty about not doing it all. I certainly don’t!
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In summary, it’s essential to recognize our limits and prioritize what truly matters in our lives. An “I Don’t” list can help us achieve that balance.