Embracing My Mom Pooch and Letting Go of Guilt

Adult human female anatomy diagram chart

Last night, I went to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes. I saw the mess right before heading upstairs and reluctantly rolled up my sleeves, knowing I should tackle it before morning. But somewhere between turning on the faucet and grabbing the soap, I hesitated—worn out. Instead of facing the pile, I let my sleeves fall back down, walked upstairs, brushed my teeth, and went to sleep. This morning, I realized that after thirty-seven years, four kids, and a global pandemic, it’s time for me to embrace more moments of freedom, just like that one. This year, I’m reclaiming control, lowering my standards, and giving myself permission to live without guilt. Here’s what I’m letting go of:

Ordering Takeout

On evenings when cooking for my four little ones feels like a chaotic game show, I’ll allow myself the freedom to call in takeout. I’m accepting who I truly am: a woman who doesn’t whip up casseroles and a mom whose kids often squabble at the dinner table. Cheers to having the local pizza place on speed dial and letting everyone enjoy their meals in their own space.

Letting My Kids Skip Activities

The pandemic may have been tough, but it taught me and my kids to appreciate the beauty of downtime. Moving forward, I’ll give them the occasional free pass to skip a practice or take a mental health day from school. While I value commitment and attendance, our calendars have become overly packed for such little ones. I’m now passionate about ensuring they get necessary breaks for their mental and physical well-being.

Setting Boundaries

As a highly sensitive extroverted introvert, I love setting boundaries but struggle to enforce them. In 2022, I’m committed to valuing my limits. I’m learning the importance of saying “no” to enhance my family’s happiness and my own sanity.

Ignoring Text Messages

I know it’s rude, but I can’t be constantly available anymore. As I work to manage my phone addiction, I need to relieve myself of the pressure to respond immediately. Sometimes, I just forget, don’t know how to reply, or simply don’t want to. In this age of constant connectivity, the silence on my end is my way of saying, “taking a mental health break, be back later (maybe).”

Forgoing Hosting Duties

Holiday gatherings and cookouts, beware: I’m done making hosting my responsibility. While I wish I could be a laid-back host who enjoys the party, I usually end up flustered, missing out on precious moments with my kids. So, for now, I’ll reclaim those moments and only host when it feels right for me.

Embracing My Mom Body

I’ve spent far too much time battling the space between my belly button and vagina, and I’m over it. This pooch has become a part of my reality, and it’s time to accept it. Plus, nobody is scrutinizing me, and my mind has much bigger problems to solve. What a gift to give my daughters—a “screw you” to societal expectations—by embracing my aging, life-giving body!

No More Excuses

I often find it hard to decline invitations simply with a “no thank you.” Instead, I would give convoluted reasons to spare feelings. This year, I’m trading those elaborate excuses for straightforward RSVPs, allowing myself to say “no” based on my instincts, anxiety, or just plain laziness. Already, I feel lighter.

So, who’s with me? Let’s toss expectations and guilt aside and give ourselves permission to embrace freedom. The last couple of years have been tough, the world remains chaotic, parenting is incredibly challenging, and we all deserve a break. For more insights on overcoming challenges, check out this other blog post. Also, if you’re looking for expert advice on this topic, visit Intracervical Insemination and check out this excellent resource on IVF and Fertility Preservation.

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In summary, let’s prioritize our well-being, embrace our realities, and break free from the guilt that comes with motherhood. This journey is about acceptance and reclaiming joy in our lives.