Just so we’re clear, I’m not talking about the “Real” kind of housewives that walk around in 6 inch heels and chandelier earrings and go to lunches, brunches and coffees with their girlfriends with no kids in sight on a daily basis.
I’m talking about the really real housewife that wears her dirty hair in a ponytail for three days straight, eats a peanut butter cracker for lunch standing up, and spends her day picking up after everyone else, getting spit up on, driving kids back and forth, fixing breakfast (followed by a snack, followed by lunch, followed by a snack . . . ) and trying to just clear a small space on the kitchen countertop during the middle of it all so that she feels she’s made some “progress.” I’m talking about me.
I’m going to be honest. I’ve had trouble finding the joy in my job over the last couple of weeks. While I go through times of finding complete gratification in being a mom, there are other times when I feel totally exhausted, underappreciated and just plain tired. I know this is nothing new. It goes along with the territory. And, so you don’t mistake my grumbling for ungratefulness, there really is no job I would trade for the blessing of staying home with my kids.
(As a side note, sometimes I find the only words of advice from moms who have “been there” is to “enjoy this time while your kids are little; it’ll go by so fast!” I know this is only meant to be encouraging, but it often makes me feel panicked. I’m trying my best to cherish/savor/remember this time, but I’m also trying to get everyone fed, clothed, to school on time, etc. Know what I mean?)
Nothing has changed around here. No one has gotten more messy or less whiney. I think my lack of joy comes from my own attitude. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately:
Several years ago, I remember a speaker at our moms’ group at church saying something simple that stuck with me. “It’s not about you.” Well, isn’t that the truth? As moms, it never is. And, I find that when I try to make it be, my attitude stinks and my home/family is all out of whack. She also said “It’s hard work but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it.” Even when I’m completely worn out, I do believe that.
Do you find yourself getting in this same rut? How do you find your joy in being a “real” housewife?
PS—To my family, please consider this my apology for my bad moods and frequent meltdowns as of late.
To my readers, I’ll be back on Friday with a fun jewelry giveaway. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
