The other day, I had no patience left. I was upset. I was irritable. I was tired. Just utterly, bone tired. Completely and horribly tired. I yelled at my kids, I was rude to my husband, I think I may have even been angry towards the UPS man {unheard of}.
Then I realized… I am tired because of ME.
Me staying up too late to finish a project.
Me staying up too late to answer emails.
Me staying up too late worrying about unfinished orders.
Me staying up too late trying to find time to myself.
ME.
I am my own worst enemy.
I take it out on the people that mean the world to me.
My husband, my kids, my family, my friends.
I take on all of these commitments and I love them all, but I can’t do it all anymore. No one can. No one can possibly sustain this type of lifestyle without something faltering and I will be the first one to admit that I am faltering. My life needs a change.
I am not used to admitting defeat, but yet, here I am.
I am admitting defeat. Full-on defeat.
Don’t worry, this isn’t a sad post. I promise {that is not how I roll}
This is simply to remind all of us, especially mothers, how important it is to realize that we can’t do it all. We wish we could, but we can’t. No one can. I don’t care how awesome you are or how many Pinterest-Worthy items you have created. No one can be perfect, nor should we strive for that.
I am here to tell you that I found some perspective the other day.
My kids reached out to me and said “Mommy, can you put your laptop down and play with us instead?” They looked at me with their eyes ready for disappointment. I paused. I would regularly say “Hang on” or “Give me a minute” or “Sorry guys, but Mommy has so much to do”. However, in that moment, I was staring at a 3 year old girl and a 5 year old boy, both eager for their Mommy’s attention. I slammed down my stupid stupid stupid laptop and hugged them. I hugged them so hard. Harder than ever. Ainsley said “I love you so much, Mommy.” I can tell you right now… I have never felt so loved and so happy, but I also felt terrible. Terrible that they weren’t expecting me to do that. Terrible that they were surprised. Terrible that I have let this go for so long. My kids were surprised that I stopped to hug them. How could I have allowed this to happen?
For over 5 years, I have been trying to reach some personal goals and I have reached those goals…. I have more than reached them, I have exceeded my own expectations. Now, it is time to stop and think, reflect, and reconsider. It is now time to be with my family, be with my friends, and also take care of myself. I really really need to take care of myself. Really.
People have told me from the time my kids were babies “Treasure this time because before you know it, they will be old and no longer want to hang out with you”. One day, my adorable 3 year old and my awesome 5 year old will be teenagers and I will be begging for mercy. I dread the day my daughter tells me she is dating. I will be sad the day my son goes away to college.
The best part for me? They are still little. They are here and they are only 3 and 5. I have all the time in the world to be Mommy to them…I want to make it the best it can be. I can’t lose that.
Perspective.
Hayley
Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
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such a lovely post, I think we all have these moments where we let the things that seem pressing override the more important things that will be there tomorrow. They are very lucky children because their mother realizes what is going on NOW rather than in fifteen years. 🙂
<3 I’ve had similar moments and cut back a lot on my internet time. Some days I don’t do as well but it has gotten better.
I regret that I only have two thumbs to put up… this deserves way more.
Great post! This makes me reflect on my own “perspective”! THank you!
I am sure there will be many that will share your feelings and emotions in this very touching post, thanks for sharing and reminding us all what the truly important things in life are, and we all need reminding of that ever so occasionally!
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This post couldn’t have come at a better time Hayley! I have been so busy between trying to get my next pattern ready and doing our taxes that I find myself in much the same predicament. Your post inspired me to stop and play with my kids today. 🙂 Thank-you.
I could have written this! It’s my own fault for taking on so much responsibility at one time. I’ve realized until I am able to take a step back that things aren’t going to get done well, and that it’s going to have to be okay!
Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.
This sounds all to familiar. I am constantly struggling to find the right balance between family time and work time on the blog. Thank you for sharing this. I would love for you to share it here: http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/02/shine-on-fridays-67-and-giveaway.html
Yup…that is why I am just reading this TODAY! I am reading whenever I can…not worrying about it all. Google reader is helpful for me to not feel like I ‘missed” anything.
Take care of you and your children. In years that will go FAST (my oldest turns SIXTEEN this week)…and we will all be bored out of our minds and miss them…and then we can do it ALL! 😀 We can conquer the world!!!
((((HUGS)))) Girl! You have done ALOT in the past two years that I have “known” you!!!