Last Updated on September 17, 2025 by The Smetz Files
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? As though you’re going through the motions, but not really in the moment?
Most of my blog posts center around my mom experiences.
My writing features my anecdotal perspective as I raise teens and tweens in an increasingly uncertain world. Often my posts reflect humor and attempt to laugh at the absurdity that can be associated with parenting.
But sometimes I feel like I’m in a rut.
Creatively.
But also when it comes to my energy and patience.
Snap Out of It
What helps you ‘snap out of it’?
While I endeavor to take stock of the little moments and attempt to enjoy the simple pleasures, sometimes the hurried pace overwhelms me.
I find myself feeling scattered, disjointed, and frustrated that I can never fully focus on what is in front of me, as I anticipate the next wave of what is to come. Both the good and the bad.
Also, there’s the ever present question, ‘what’s for dinner?’!!!
Perhaps it’s my age, or simply this stage in life that I find myself. But often when my brain won’t turn off and I can’t resist doom scrolling I feel worse. The rut gets deeper.
I’m in the midst of raising kids, supporting aging parents, growing professionally, and hopefully being a supportive partner to my husband, who is in the trenches with me daily.
I am not great at centering myself above my other obligations. But here are a few ways I’ve tried to work out of the inevitable ruts I find myself occasionally in.
Quiet walks
Taking a walk is my mid day go to when I’ve survived the chaos of school drop off, morning meetings, and responding to email. Since we both have some remote flexibility, I like to time these quick walks with my husband. They’re a perfect way to recenter and reconnect in the midst of a busy season. Plus it’s great to clear our minds and get some steps in at the same time.
Engage creatively
For me that means devoting time to writing. If I’m in a rut, sometimes writing feels like one more thing to squeeze in.
It never fails that I have inspiration while I’m driving or in the middle of a kid’s sports event. I keep a running list of quotes and ideas on my phone so that when I get a quiet moment (or when I carve one out!), I can tap back into my thought and write. Writing is cathartic for me.
Be in the moment
This is easier said than done for me! Some of my favorite moments are when it’s just the four of us laughing, recapping our days, and sharing a meal. Even in our constant state of being on the go, we strive for family dinners (sometimes at insane hours!) and intentional, unstructured time together.
It’s not always pretty and I definitely don’t have it together every day. Sometimes acknowledging the hard is enough for me to snap out of it and see the goodness in the chaos.
Regardless, I try to see the beauty in my perfectly imperfect moments.
I’d love for you to read some of my previously written posts. Click away and let me know what you think!
