First things first: stop creating a todo list for everyday.
I just had my second a few weeks ago. And oh boy, adding another little human being to the bunch definitely spices things up a bit. There’s so much going on every single second of every single day. Sometimes I have to take a really deep long breath and tell myself this won’t last forever.
Newsflash: I can’t keep up with everything! I let go of so much in the last few weeks and honestly, I’m getting used to it. The huge pile of laundry is still in the guest bedroom (that’s why those rooms exist, right?). Amen. Oh and there are literally thousands of toys all over the living room floor right now and I don’t give a crap. Also, there are a ton of finger prints on all the doors in this house. But I give up.
It’s really okay to give up.
It’s okay to feel like you can’t keep up and do it all. You don’t need to be boss at everything. Somethings will just have to wait. Right now in this season of my life I’ve decided to just give up. I’ve come to the conclusion that whoever randomly rings the doorbell tomorrow will have to be okay with my crazy life and messy house.
But I’m determined to keep up with my children. I’m their main source of love, attention, and time right now. I want to minister love, joy, selflessness, and caring in their life. My heart belongs to them. The floors will get mopped…not right now but eventually. But my son won’t need me to push him in the swing in six years from now. He won’t need me to rock him to sleep at night. And my daughter won’t need me to be everything for her in a few years down the road. 
I love hearing “mama” everyday. When there’s a quiet moment and it’s interrupted with “mama” I love it. I’m wanted, needed, and adored by my little humans. They think the world of me and I want to treasure these unique and short-lived moments.
These are memories, mamas. This is real-life. It’s called motherhood.
So give up something today. You need to figure out what’s most important and what can wait. No one can do this for you. Todo lists are wonderful. But they are also evil. They require too much attention and too much pressure. Sure, accomplishing tasks throughout your day is important, but for the sake of you and your children determine what can wait for another day.
And remember: it’s okay to give up. But don’t give up on mama life and raising those beautiful babes. They grow up. Eventually they will leave. Someday you will ask yourself this one question: what did I give up to spend more time with my children?
Motherhood is challenging. And finding time for your whole life and agenda is even more challenging. But don’t give up on that. Give up on the least important thing for right now. And focus on what matters to you most. Memories, living in the moment, and loving a little more everyday are my priorities.
When I read the title, I knew I had to read this. I agree. I’ve given up on a perfectly clean home.
Thanks so much, Diedre! I’m glad you found hope in this read. I too have given up on a perfectly clean home. It’s just not possible at this point in my life.
Oh I so feel this some days! There are moments that I just sneak into the closet and sit just for a few minutes of breathing time. However difficult it is, Motherhood is SO worth all the challenges. You just need to make sure that you make time for you. Whether it is reading a book, taking a nap or eating a piece of chocolate. If Mom isn’t happy no one is happy!
I love this and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! It’s true. Mama needs to be happy too and usually a shower, clean clothes, and hot coffee do the trick! 😉 thanks for stopping by, Kiley!
I sure do love this post. I have had to give up several things and stop trying to be perfect in every area. My kids are more important.
Amen! I’m so overwhelmed these days but then I look at my children and their little faces and I remember they will grow up too fast! Everything else CAN and WILL wait.
This was a great reminder for me today! Thanks, Vanessa!
Glad you found help in the post!
I love this and it a great reminder to all mums. Thank you for posting this. xx
It’s something we have to be reminded of daily. I often get caught up in all the mess and forget the real blessings!
I needed to read this today! I feel I have been overscheduling myself for sure. I really have been trying to slow down, and find the joy. Thanks for the reminder.
All mamas need this reminder ever so often! Hang in there mama, motherhood is a special and sweet season of life! <3
I absolutely needed to read this. I’m actually pretty open about my struggles to balance it all and I’ve gotten some crap from it (from my mom, of all people). 🙁 It’s super hard but I realize that these days with little kids won’t last forever.r
Aw I’m so sorry! Some people just don’t understand. I’ve been fortunate with a mother who tells me to stop cleaning and worrying about everything else and just sit and cuddle/play with my babies! You have the right perspective. You’re doing awesome!
Completely true, I have days I get so stressed out and start talking to my boyfriend harshly. He knows I mean no harm though.
Samantha, we all have those days! I’m convinced it comes with motherhood. We deal with little humans all the time! lol
I love the quote about the days dragging, but the years flying by. It’s so true! This season is so short.
Absolutely! And when I think of it that way I don’t want to miss out on anything!
Thank you for sharing this! They are only little for a while and I try to so hard to remember that. Some days it is easier than others.
Heather, it’s hard to remember all the time but when I remember, I suddenly cry and tell myself to slow down. These little humans are only little for a short time and I want all their cuddles and kisses!
Yes, and thank you I needed to be reminded of this, this morning! Congratulations on your second baby, I just had my third baby and I have had to let a lot of things go around here. They do grow so fast and I don’t want to look back someday and feel regret that I didn’t spend more time on the things that really matter!
xo, Nicole
Congratulations on your third baby! 🙂 I totally get what you’re saying. I know I won’t look back someday and say, “gosh, I really regret not getting those dishes done!” But I will regret missing out on fun and sweet memories with my babes! <3