Do you ever scroll through social media and see families that are just doing an amazing job with this whole pandemic thing? They’re baking, they’re making chalk murals on the sidewalk, they’re taking walks, they’re assembling puzzles and doing art projects.
This. Is. Not. My. Family.
The other day my son complained of a headache and I realized that I’d let him play his switch for a solid six hours. SIX HOURS. But you know what? That’s okay.
My oldest (age 15) had cinnamon toast crunch for lunch a few days ago. This, too, is okay.
Let’s not get into the trap of thinking that now is the time to go above and beyond, be the most incredible family that perfectly does all of the things together. I don’t know about you guys, but my kids fight every single day and it’s okay.
Everybody’s in pajamas for the whole day? It’s okay.
Didn’t get your housework done today? It’s okay. It’ll still be there tomorrow.
Did you use paper plates today instead of real dishes? Order Door Dash instead of making dinner because you just. can’t. make. another. meal. right now? It’s okay.
This time is not meant to be the most productive time of your life. We have to shift our expectations. I’m going to be able to tell my children’s children that we lived through this time. That we survived it, that we did the best we could with what we had. We learned more about one another, we bonded, and we made do. I may not get to tell my grandchildren that this was a groundbreaking, productive time. That my house was squeaky-clean. That I conquered every overdue project and organized the garage. But that’s okay, too.
We have so much on our shoulders. I’m homeschooling, working full time, and distance learning grad school classes, while maintaining my house. I know many of you mamas are in similar circumstances. So, it’s time to stop comparing to anyone else. Those overachieving mamas are doing a great job, and I personally cannot measure myself against them or I will be disappointed every time.
So how do I stop comparing myself to everyone? First, I have to limit my intake. This means less time on social media. For me, social media is part of my job – so I am on it A LOT. Limiting my social media when I’m not working is something that I have to do for my own wellness – otherwise I view everything through a work lens. But also – it helps me to see the reality of what is around me instead of an internet fascade.
Today I’ll focus on me, my family, and what I can control. It’s going to be okay.
