Today marks the beginning of the end for me as a Mom.
The Last of Many Things
It was one thing when it was my oldest. I still had one more to go, so it didn’t hurt as much when I was going through it. Now it was becoming real, my baby was entering her Senior Year in High School. This year would fly by (as I have been through this before) with non stop activities to fill your schedule. Month after month, the calendar will be filled with Senior portraits, last football games to cheer at, last Homecoming dance, last Prom, etc. All leading to that final momentous occasion of High School Graduation.
The One Problem
You might be thinking what is the problem? It sounds like an extrovert’s delight. How fun will this next year be for you? And don’t get me wrong, soaking in each of these is a dream come true! Except for one thing…
I am a full time working Mom!
How will I balance working full time and still be a part of each of these “last” moments? Is it possible to have a balance between Working Me and Mom Me?
Let me start by saying first…I love my job! I am so blessed to work with some amazing people and it truly has my heart.
Unfortunately, sometimes I work more than I should and at the expense of my family! My job can fill my days longer than the usual 8 hours. It can be challenging to “balance” work and home as I attempt to be a Working Mom.
There comes a time and it looks like my time has come, when “balance” is just not possible. Something has to change!
I Am A Mom First
I am a Mom first and foremost! While I love my job and hope to continue at it for many years to come. I only have one last year with my daughter!
So for the next year, this working Mom is going to put family first!
Here is my plan to help conquer this next year as Mom.
Don’t Have Any Regrets
This is an important time in my daughter’s life. She is only a Senior once and I don’t want to miss a moment of it. Work will always be here and will always be urgent. My girl only has one last first day of High School, one last Homecoming dance, one last football game. Work will always be there, these “lasts” won’t.
Give Myself Grace
I am a hard worker and always give 110% each day. For the next year, maybe I will only give 95%. It is important that I am open and honest with my boss about what is going on in my life.
Also, this is not an excuse to slack off with my responsibilities. However, I will give myself grace to step away from the office for an hour or so at a time as needed to enjoy these special moments with my girl.
I am blessed with the opportunity to be a bit flexible with my hours, so if I take some time here and there during the workday, I can work for a bit while she is studying or in bed and not miss a moment at home or at work.
Don’t Wear Myself Out
Juggling is an integral part of being a Mom. It seems we always have multiple things we are juggling depending on the season. It can be work, baseball practice and soccer practice. It can be ballet, horseback riding lessons or cheer practice for someone else.
We all have a lot on our plates to juggle. The goal is to not wear ourselves out running around trying to be SuperMom! Set priorities and boundaries so you can continue to run the race!
This next one is the hardest for me.
Ask For Help
All of us need a little help now and again. It is ok to ask for help. No one will think less of you! We can’t be anything and everything for everyone. We were designed to be in community with each other. Take advantage of your friends and family when you need assistance. It is ok to ask for help as you navigate a busy season in your life!
I Am Ready
So as I prepare for this next busy season in my life, I will be giving myself reminders daily.
I am ready to ask for help when needed.
I will not wear myself out.
I will give myself grace to let some things drop.
And most of all,
I will not have any regrets.
