Have you ever been passionate about fitness or had a steady exercise routine? Perhaps you attended bootcamp classes every morning or enjoyed running several miles a week. But then, life threw you a curveball, halting that routine for an extended period. It could have been an injury that required weeks of recovery or an unexpected break due to becoming a parent.
Returning to your previous form is often the toughest challenge—not just physically, but emotionally as well. You might have once sprinted a mile effortlessly, but now, the end of the block feels like a marathon. The squats that were once a breeze now leave your legs trembling, and you find yourself struggling with weights that used to be easy.
This has been my experience as a creative parent navigating motherhood during the pandemic. With a two-year-old and a husband who was often away for work, my daughter and I thrived on exploration and creativity. We filled our days with adventures, crafts, and baking. As a solo parent for days on end, I developed a reservoir of patience and compassion to handle the challenges.
However, the pandemic has reshaped my life—and my parenting abilities. As a freelance writer, I witnessed my work dry up one job at a time, a stark contrast to my routine of consistent employment. My husband is now home every day, and our daughter’s daycare has closed indefinitely. We’ve lost our support system, our usual outings, and the structure that helped us thrive.
The stress is real. While I adore my child, being a stay-at-home mom around the clock was never my plan. Even friends who typically embrace the role are feeling overwhelmed. I find myself grappling with impatience, fear, and a protective instinct that feels all-consuming. It’s painful to remember the mother I was before this upheaval, capable of running miles and completing workouts with ease. Now, I struggle just to make it through breakfast without feeling overwhelmed.
At the start of the quarantine, I felt like a superhero. I organized a neighborhood scavenger hunt that brought joy to families, and we engaged in creative projects like painting gifts for grandparents. I was managing two jobs and thriving.
Fast forward to today, and I’m two hours into a Daniel Tiger episode while juggling job applications and meal planning. A simple snack request from my toddler turned into a meltdown, leading me to give in and hand over a box of snacks instead of the healthy options I wanted her to have. I battle with guilt and frustration, questioning my abilities and feeling like I’ve lost my way.
Yet, a recent social media post struck a chord with me: “You’re only unproductive by the standards of the world we lived in two months ago.” This statement resonates deeply, reminding me that our current world is unique and challenging. Despite feeling inadequate by past standards, we are all doing our best—even on the days that feel like failures. Are you still waking up, caring for your child, and showing them love? Those small moments, like a hug or playing outside, still count as strength.
Don’t evaluate your worth based on previous benchmarks. Your efforts today are valid, and you’re still a phenomenal parent. The world may be different, but our ability to adapt is what makes us resilient.
For more insights on navigating motherhood and family life, check out this related post from our blog. Additionally, if you’re exploring topics around fertility, this link offers valuable information. For comprehensive resources on pregnancy, visit this page.
In summary, as we navigate these uncertain times, it’s crucial to be kind to ourselves. We may not be the parents we were a few months ago, but that doesn’t diminish our value. Embrace your current reality, and remember, you are still a rockstar.