The new normal.

With so many obstacles coming towards me on  a daily basis, I have learned that the role of wife, mother, and business owner is a cluttered mess most of the time.  I read blogs about how to schedule, making time for this or that, but the truth is, a schedule is only an outline.  I find myself flying by the seat of my pants only looking towards the next minute where something needs to be washed, picked up, cleaned up, edited, and on and on.   If only I had listened to the women in my life before, I would have understood what they meant by, “the woman is the stronger gender”.  You carry the weight of the entire family on your shoulders.  When someone has a bad day, it moves in waves towards you, and you brace yourself for the impact.

In all of the chaos, there is a part of me saying, “slow down…enjoy…”.  So, I do.  I watch my little boy struggle to stand up and take steps.  I see his bright blue eyes smiling from under those beautiful eyelashes.  I hear his little voice trying to figure out how to say, “doggie”, or “eat”.  It amazes me daily.  He amazes me.  Then, I remember the wash that needs to be changed out, or the dishes soaking, or the photos needing editing, or … or… or….

I cannot believe the way my life has caught me by surprise.  Such wonder and selflessness.  Not only do I have my business to concern over, but my husband is also a struggling entrepreneaur.  Days on end, he will enter the house without a smile.  I know the look too well, I’m afraid.  However, I must finish cooking supper, clean up from supper, and begin the many hours of editing and marketing.

These days, I savor a minute of singularity as if it were the last drop of water on the planet.  I thirst for it.

For all of you mothers out there who are feeling this same sense of duty, you are not alone.  Do not isolate yourself  by thinking you are the only person experiencing the difficulties of motherhood.   The new normal we find ourselves in is not all bad.  The love we shower on to our children only encourages their self-esteem.  The selflessness they see in us we can only pray they will emulate in the future.

Mothers, we are the strong arms, strong backs, strong minds, strong hearts, strong loves of our family.  I encourage all of you to take a moment today and breathe.  Become present in the moment, and look your child in the eyes.  After that, the new normal is all worth it.