This is my oldest son, Drake, at 6 years old. During this time in my life, I was in a BUSY, demanding leadership role at my company. I was determined to prove to the world that I could juggle it all - even as a single mom. This hustling to prove myself meant evenings were spent rushing this sweet boy off to bed so I could get back on my laptop in an attempt to keep up.
Every parent in 2020 can probably relate to attempting to juggle it all. And while I know you are doing your best with the knowledge and resources you have available to you, here’s what I want you to know: I sacrificed some of the most precious moments with my son - to respond to emails! I will never have those bedtime moments with 6-year-old Drake again. It’s something I think of often.
Things that helped me shift my focus:
The initial solution for me was - setting boundaries at work and after work. This looked like leaving work on time and remaining present with Drake while he was with me. There were still nights that I would get back on my computer after he was in bed sleeping but I was mindful not to rush him off to bed. Instead, I intentionally savored those moments with him.
I delegated tasks at work and gave myself permission to ask for help. This was harder for me than it sounds because I am a people pleaser and high achiever. When I started delegating at work, I discovered that my team was excited to support me and the tasks I delegated to them gave them an opportunity to develop new skills and grow. Letting go of responsibility was much easier when I realized that I was helping someone else in the process.
I started saying no to projects at work and communicating realistic deadlines based on my workload. And guess what? I discovered that others didn’t have as high of an expectation as the one I put on myself. They were fine as long as they knew when I could complete the task and if they needed it sooner, they found another resource.
I focused on enjoying the life that I had, instead of wishing and working for a better one. (Spoiler alert: This 1 thing made my life feel a million times better.) Sometimes we get so busy chasing MORE that we don’t stop to appreciate all that we have.
As we head into the busiest time of the year, ask yourself these questions:
What can you do to lighten your load and make room for the people and moments that really matter?
How can you be more present for your family and friends over the holidays?
How will you enjoy the moments and memories you make with your kids - while they are still kids?
The end of the year is a great time to reflect and reset. Consider taking off your busy badge and remember - you can never get this time with your kiddos back.
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Hi! I’m Crystalynn, a mom of two and a certified coach. I help moms on the brink of burnout to manage their stress, regain balance in their lives, and develop the skills and strategies they need to thrive as parents and individuals. Helping moms be present in the moment and making memories with their kids is one of my favorite things to do as a coach for moms. If you want to learn more about how I support my clients with private coaching, schedule a free session. For more tips on handling stress, follow me on Instagram.