Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by The Smetz Files
Have you ever had one of those days that you knew was going to be chaotic so you pre planned so well to avoid any potential stress or pitfalls that might occur as a result of not carefully planning every single detail?
How has that worked out for you? A few weeks ago we had one of those days and let’s just say, it was NOT my finest moment!
It was a Sunday afternoon in which the kids had back to back events in separate locations that required a change of clothes and specific gear for each event. I’m sure you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about, mom squad!
I spent time analyzing who would get whom where at what time and what clothing and gear they required for said event. We had it mapped out to a tee, it was the best possible game plan…until it wasn’t.
I had a mental mishap. In my effort to execute the game plan I neglected to remember I had the key fob to the car Jay needed to drive to get G across town at the exact time I was dropping S at a birthday party.
I had mistakenly dropped the key fob in my bag the night before, not putting it back in its place for the next day.
I had the key with me, in my bag, across town. Yep, mental mishap!
Of course, we figured it out, I rushed back to the house with the key Jay needed, G was late to one of his activities, I was harried to get back to pick up S, and when we got home hours later there a few good jabs at my forgetfulness, all in good fun.
All that to say, despite my best plans, one little mental mishap could send it into a tailspin. Or make for a good laugh after the initial frustration wears off!
Perspective
I am reminded of my goals for 2023; progress over perfection (see the post Progress Over Perfection). As irritated as I was in the moment, I let it go because in the grand scheme of things it was an inconvenience, but really it was insignificant.
Sometimes I find myself exhausted from the mental gymnastics of it all. Other days are better. Some days I am organized, well planned, and running on time. Others I am a disheveled mess rolling in on two wheels with kids tumbling out, and that’s good too.
I like to think it’s a balancing act and some days I’m better balanced than others. Progress over perfection.
Do you ever think about that duality? That delicate balance between having it all together and teetering on the verge of it all falling apart?
Balance
I have thought about that balance at several stages, especially as a parent. From the newborn days of thinking I could never get it together, to the toddler days of constantly cleaning up messes, to the present elementary days where my kids are far more independent, but also have demands on our time and attention that complicate the balance of having it together and falling apart.
I’m thinking this balance will remain a constant in my life, as I imagine parenting older kids will be a delicate balancing act, too. So, here’s to the mental mishaps that ground us and remind us we’re human, and more importantly, that we’re doing the best we can.
Thanks for indulging this less glamorous side of balancing it all!
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