Slow Down Mama

Over committed. Stressed out. Tired. Your every waking minute is accounted for and if any curve ball is thrown your way the stack of dominoes begins to fall, creating a ripple effect of disaster and destruction.

Have you ever noticed that your busyness generally has a direct effect on how your children behave? I don’t know about you, but when I’m busy my children turn into slow-moving slugs and they have a terrible time processing any information given to them.

Please tell me that I’m not the only one.

• When I needed to be on the road ten minutes ago one of my small people is usually taking his time picking out which ninja turtle can ride in the car with us today.
• When I’m running out the door someone is sure to think this is the most convenient time to spackle his diaper in poop, including all clothes in close proximity.
• When I have a deadline, that’s when the kids are begging to go outside and draw sidewalk chalk together, craving that direct attention from Mommy.

The list goes on. Mom’s got an agenda. Kids are along for the ride.

I’ve heard myself express “Hurry up! I don’t have time for this!” “This is driving me bonkers!” or “I’ll look at (blank) once I finish this one thing.”

It wasn’t too long ago that something happened to change my perspective on all this. BOOM! Out of the mouth of babes I heard, “Hurry up! You’re driving me bonkers!” The exact words that had come out of my very mouth were being spouted off to little brother.

Heart broken into a million pieces. A flood of emotions filled my soul. I was overwhelmed with so much clarity.

It’s time to slow it on down Mama. It’s time to first worry about the things that matter most. Everything else can fit in if and when they can. It’s okay to not get your entire to-do list done in a day. It’s okay to say no once in awhile. It’s okay to take a step back and breathe deeply, love your life and to live your life intentionally and purposefully.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, slow it on down Mama.

Stop being distracted by everything around you.

You DON’T have to do it all.

Take a deep breath.

Smile.

Play.

Focus on what matters most.

And remember, the other stuff can wait.