As September rolls around, the excitement of a new season begins. Time to replenish the kids’ supplies—yes, grab those socks and pencils! I can already feel that internal happy dance because, finally, Summer Mom Camp has come to an end.
This month presents a fresh start, and I envision all the organizing I can accomplish. I’ll tackle the cluttered cabinets, clear off my desk to rediscover my keyboard, and even create those long-overdue photo books from the past five years. The dreams of shedding those extra pounds, cleaning out the summer debris from my minivan, and crafting a quilt from my kids’ old shirts dance in my head. I plan to volunteer at the school, sign up as a substitute teacher, and lend a hand at the local soup kitchen. I will be (imagine jazz hands) extraordinary!
Yet, I’m also mindful of my past self—the ambitious, idealistic woman I was in 1993, equipped with a college degree, who would turn her nose up at the notion of being just a stay-at-home mom. So, I aim to embody the Super Mom ideal.
But as the month begins, reality hits. After cleaning the kitchen, squeezing in a jog, tackling laundry, running to Target for supplies, and preparing dinner, the time to pick up the kids arrives far too soon. Before I know it, October is here, and I find myself disheartened. I had set all these high aspirations for September, and once again, not much has shifted.
September feels like New Year’s Day for families—filled with hopes for a fresh start and too many ambitious resolutions. Last year, when my youngest began kindergarten, I swore I would run a marathon, pen a book, and declutter every closet in the house. It all seemed feasible at the time.
Fast forward a year, and I’ve barely managed to clean out three closets which have since returned to chaos. There’s no shiny marathon medal or a book with my name on the spine. In fact, it often feels like I’ve left no mark at all.
So here’s the truth: It’s time to let go of the impossible expectations. No one can accomplish everything—books, marathons, volunteering, and jobs—especially not all at once. Unless, of course, you’re fueled by copious amounts of coffee. Remember, being a stay-at-home mom is a demanding full-time job in itself.
Before making your list of September goals, consider these more attainable resolutions:
- Take a moment to breathe deeply. You deserve it.
- Acknowledge every load of laundry, every meal prepared, and every homework assignment checked. You are doing great.
- If you can find a minute, reconnect with your passions (your soul might just be hiding next to the washing machine).
- Remember that the 1993 version of you had no clue what life would truly entail.
- Exercise patience—this phase of raising kids is fleeting, and soon enough, you’ll have time for all those other pursuits.
- Lastly, recognize that you are enough just as you are.
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To summarize, September brings the promise of new beginnings, but it’s essential to set realistic goals that honor your journey as a stay-at-home mom. Embrace the small victories and be gentle with yourself.