I was recently scrolling down my Facebook timeline and came across a few moms who seemed to be stressed and anxious due to the overwhelming tasks of being a mom, a wife, a student, an employee, a leader, a devoted ministry member, etc. My best advice that I can offer, and that I'm sure I need to practice is to TAKE A DEEP BREATH MAMA!
I am one of those moms who believe that motherhood should not take away from our home being clean, dinner being cooked, laundry being done, etc. I have found myself plenty of times crying my eyes out because I felt like I did not have anymore energy to offer to cleaning my house...until... One day I was having a panic attack and I was venting to my husband about all the things that needed to be done around the house and he seemed so nonchalant about it. He just did not understand how serious the situation was.... there were a few dishes in the sink... the floor needed to be mopped... the bathrooms needed to be cleaned... the laundry was piling up... and on top of that I had assignment after assignment due for school... AND did I mention that I frequently experience severe migraines and this was one of those days? The only consolation I had was when he told me that things were not as bad as they appeared.
I was going crazy because I wanted my house to look a certain way, not for me or my family, BUT for other people to know and see that I know how to be a good wife and a good mom. It was then that I figured out that everything that I was panicking about was to please others. Why are we putting ourselves through that torture? We're killing ourselves to impress others! I've also learned that it is absolutely okay to ask my dear husband to help. I don't know what your home situation may be like, but if you have someone willing to assist in duties around the house, then use their assistance. Trust me! Once I started taking advantage of his help, I was also relieving myself of unnecessary stress.
We're only moms and wives and whatever other titles we may carry, but we are NOT SUPERWOMEN! It's time for you to take off your cape, hang it up, and go into retirement because realistically you just cannot do it all. Some people and some things will have to get your "No, but I can't this time." Now, I'm not saying to totally neglect what needs to be done, but I'm simply advising you to give yourself a break. Being a wife alone is work and being a mom is work, so combining the two with other things is EXTRAORDINARY work, but you can do it if and only if you pace yourself.
And mama... it's okay for you to dedicate one day to you every month. Go treat yourself to an appointment at the hair salon, get pampered at the nail salon, relax with a massage. Whatever your vice is, enjoy it once a month, and while you're enjoying it TAKE A DEEP BREATH MAMA!
I hope you find this helpful in relieving some of the overwhelming anxiety that can control us moms who feel like we have to do it all. Some wifely and motherly tasks absolutely cannot be ignored; however, those other minor things like the floor being mopped and the laundry getting cleaned can go on a schedule. Strive to achieve one of those minor tasks everyday, but do not pressure yourself into doing it all in one day. It will be okay if that bathroom waits an additional 24 hours to be cleaned. That same bathroom will still be there tomorrow :-)
