Updated: Aug. 9, 2017
Originally Published: Aug. 9, 2017
In the morning, I feel like a superhero. With the entire day stretching out before me, I set ambitious goals. I’ll make healthy choices, fit in a workout, stay hydrated, and be the fun mom. My to-do list is practically a masterpiece. (Maybe it’s the caffeine talking, but who’s keeping track?)
Then reality hits, often startlingly early when the rest of the family rises. Suddenly, my needs are overshadowed by the demands of everyone else. One moment, I’m a whole person; the next, I’m just “Mom,” racing around to meet the needs of my crew. It’s a relentless cycle of feeding, finding, fixing, teaching, and comforting. And repeat.
By evening, my inner rockstar has vanished without a trace, leaving me in a fog of exhaustion and survival mode. I’ve completely lost sight of the healthy choices I vowed to make earlier. My motivation? Gone. My willpower? Depleted. I’m spent.
Most nights find me slumped on the couch after I’ve tucked the kids in—multiple times, of course—often indulging in too much food and perhaps a drink (or three) while zoning out to mindless TV. I just want one little treat for myself, and more often than not, that’s a bowl of ice cream smothered in chocolate sauce. Or maybe a glass of wine, or two. My willpower has plummeted.
But I’m not alone in this struggle. Many of us grapple with willpower, defined as the ability to resist short-term temptations in favor of long-term goals. For example, passing on a midnight snack of leftover chocolate cake to avoid feeling bloated the next day. A 2011 Stress in America Survey revealed that a significant 27% of individuals cited a lack of willpower as the biggest obstacle to making positive changes in their lives. Some researchers suggest the concept of “willpower depletion,” where constant small decisions drain our self-control, leading to a late-night dive into a bowl of chips.
Throughout the day, I expend my willpower resisting all sorts of temptations. Whether it’s holding back my frustration at my partner’s snoring or refraining from tossing out the untouched leftovers when no one appreciates my efforts, every little choice chips away at my resolve. I struggle to stay patient when I want to let loose a tidal wave of frustration.
So, what happens when my willpower runs dry?
By evening, chaos reigns. I’m left craving comforts like a glass of chardonnay or a pizza slice, telling my morning self to relax and indulge a bit. After all, those Oreo cookies won’t eat themselves!
As my kids grow, I find myself more present during the day. I don’t often stare blankly into the mirror at night, wondering where the day went. When I engage more throughout the day, I notice my nighttime meltdowns are less dramatic. Thank goodness for small victories!
For those of you who are still in the thick of it, I empathize. Motherhood is a beautiful yet bewildering journey, and we’re all lucky to emerge with only a few stretch marks and perhaps a Netflix dependency. We will get through this phase of life, likely with some added weight and a newfound appreciation for self-care, accompanied by a few laugh lines along the way.
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Summary:
This piece humorously explores the daily struggle of motherhood, particularly the challenge of maintaining willpower throughout the day and the inevitable collapse into indulgence by evening. It highlights the complexities of balancing self-care with parenting responsibilities and offers resources for those interested in home insemination.