Find fulfillment today
Sometimes, I really think we (or at least I) overthink finding fulfillment. And I think it’s because I tend to dwell on the negative.
It’s not that I’m pessimistic, although it does probably have something to do with my tendency to be overwhelmed a little too easily. When I am overwhelmed or stressed or just not the mother that I want to be, I become consumed by that moment. I don’t want to get up to face the day; I can’t stomach the prospect of keeping Hayden out of the knife drawer for three more hours; I’m just so emotionally exhausted.
I just can’t do it sometimes. And during those times, whether it’s Hayden whining for two hours straight, or constantly making messes or smacking me in the face, I am all consumed. It’s those times that make an impression on my mind: motherhood is hard.
And while those struggling times can be frequent with a toddler in the house, they really aren’t the full picture. It can be easy to forget the easy times, the good times, and the happy times, and they certainly don’t have the same cumulative effect in my mind.
So this weekend, while you’re having a picnic, camping in the backyard, playing board games, at the ball game or just chilling at home, pause for just a moment to remind yourself, “This is it—this is motherhood. Not all the work, not the messes—the love and the joy and the . . . ticklebugs!”
Pardon me—I see a little boy who needs a tickling.
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I really do try to make the most of the good times with my girls. Even the bad times aren’t too bad when I think about how fast they’re growing up. One day I’ll miss the tantrums – okay, maybe not. LOL!
July 6th, 2007 at 2:49 pmexcellent advice. I’ve had a particularly trying day myself.. and then the toddler just walks up says “hug!”, squeezes my nearest appendage, and adds the bonus of a kiss.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:18 pmI’ve recently started trying to remind myself to “zoom out.” I tend to get consumed by those difficult moments as well. They are NOT the complete picture.
July 6th, 2007 at 7:07 pmI have had just a really tiring and exhausting week parenting my three kids (all under 4). Then yesterday, I was taking them on a walk. They started singing little fun songs, I started singing, it was a beautiful day, and everything came back into perspective. I try to remember that life is not always the “doing” part but the “being”.
July 7th, 2007 at 3:14 pmThanks for this, it’s been a hard week
July 7th, 2007 at 4:06 pmI often think that mothering fulfillment is easier to achieve when mom takes an afternoon nap with the child(ren). A few stories, a cuddle and some snoring for everyone. Sure, my blogging adiction has ruined napping for me, but there is still time for the rest of you to not be like me.
July 8th, 2007 at 12:51 amYeah, blogging steals my naptime, too… plus, I don’t think my son would stand for it. But it sounds beautiful (and it was way back when he would do that)!
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions, and you’re welcome to those that this article helped. I send you Internet hugs.
July 8th, 2007 at 1:07 pm