Modern Motherhood Musings

You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone.

📝 This week’s musing…

Why is this time of year packed to the brim with every event and activity imaginable? There’s teacher appreciation week, and end of the year school parties, enrollment forms to fill out for next year, summer camps to sign up for, and Mother’s Day right around the corner.

We’re all drowning in to-do’s and just running on fumes.

Admittedly, I’m writing to you this week in a season of deep burnout. The kind that likes to linger and mess with every aspect of life. Seasons of sadness make us inclined to isolate, so showing up for you all today, vulnerable and honest, is my first step at fighting back.

The hard part about motherhood is that you don’t have much margin to be down in the dumps. You’re forced to keep taking the next step, keep crossing off the next to-do, keep showing up for the little people in your life.

Finding my footing again, and digging my way out of burnout looks like implementing small changes daily. I’m a creature of habit and thrive on regular routines and rhythms, and I find that when I commit to them, it makes a huge difference in my everyday life.

Rhythms I’ve found helpful to overcome burnout:

• Reading and journaling in the morning - I’m easily overstimulated, so waking up before the kids to be alone with my thoughts brings some calm to my day.

• Doing one thing each day that brings me joy - lately that’s been cooking dinner. What brings you joy?

• Connecting in person with a friend - Social media likes to trick us into thinking we’re connected, but nothing can replace seeing someone face to face, or even talking on the phone.

• Sunday planning sessions - I spend about an hour every Sunday looking through my calendar for the week. I meal plan, grocery shop, and feel more prepared for any challenges we might face or days we might next extra help.

Once you’re rocking again, here are some tips to keep the burnout at bay:

• Offload entire tasks to your partner or significant other - this means if the task is “cooking dinner” they find the recipe, grocery shop, and cook.

• Outsource what drains you most - managing everything that comes with a career and motherhood is nearly impossible. Can you get help with cleaning? Cooking? What task do you most dread?

All of these things are just as much a reminder to myself, as they are encouragement for each of you.

If we keep sharing our struggles, we remove the perception that we can do everything and be everything for everyone, and the feelings of shame when we inevitably can’t.

For every “yes” we say, we’re going to have to say “no” to something else. Where are your priorities this season? Start saying “yes” to those things, and “no” or “not right now” to everything else.

✨ Friday favorites…

📚 If you have Spotify, did you know that you get 15 hours of Audiobook listening time each month? I’m listening to so many more books now. Currently it’s The Exceptions for our work Book Club.

🧴 It’s a bit of a splurge, but I can’t go without the Tubby Todd All Over Ointment for the boys. I slather it on anywhere they’re suffering from dry skin or redness and it makes a noticeable difference overnight.

🥗 I’ve been loving the chopped salad trend lately, or “spoon salads” as the young kids call them. We made this Italian Chopped Salad this weekend and it was absolutely delicious!

👯‍♀️ From one mom, to another…

Your words of wisdom, best piece of advice, and favorite hacks can make a difference in another mom’s journey. What has helped you survive this season? Email me to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of Modern Motherhood Musings.

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Happy Friday, friends!