The idea that you can have it all and do it all is a myth to me. As a modern woman, I struggle with finding balance for everything I used to enjoy. This new life of mine requires me to give myself grace for not being perfect and allowing things to be good enough. With that said, there are a few things I’ve gotten comfortable with likely not going back to the way it was before now that I’ve become a mom, and doing it on my own.
1. Diet
When I tell you I am serious about shedding this baby weight, I am! However, following a specific diet or protocol just hasn’t worked for me. The closest I’ve come to this is trying to revive my old Keto habits and getting back into smoothies as meal replacements. My method is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a combination of eating habits that actually can work into my life. I had some fun with some new recipes too! I also found a “good enough” smoothie to incorporate into my diet! It’s rich, tasty and filling. Meal replacements are huge! Though I know there are a multitude of smoothies out there to try, the simplicity of this one and it’s organically sourced ingredients satisfy my pallet and my pocket.
2. Getting My Nails Done
I decided I would do my nails at home when I have the time. I don’t have a sitter outside of daycare hours and there’s no way I’m bringing my son to the nail salon to inhale the toxins. Also, getting your nails done is a self care thing and when you’re needed while it’s being done, it’s just not the same. So, I brought the nail shop to me! This UV light though.
3. Drinking Alone
The occasional glass of wine used to be nice when I watched a movie or just had a nice “me night”. I stopped drinking in that way before I got pregnant and continue that trend. When I’d go out to eat, a cocktail was an essential. These days though, anything that disrupts the amount of sleep I get or puts me or my son at risk due to altering my mental state, has to go and alcohol is known to do that. If I am in a social environment I will partake. However the socializing is very few and far between these days so I enjoy lots of water!
4. Being Spontaneous
I used to love just getting up and going, but cue the nap schedule, eating schedule, bedtime routine, potential meltdown (he never does this) losing my opportunity to rest and relax. Spontaneity will have its place again in the future I’m sure. What’d be wonderful is to have enough support at home to indulge, but honestly, I’m happy being a routine oriented mom.
5. 8 hours of Sleep
My son eats at least once a night and wakes up a few times if he’s not in my bed. He started sleeping in his own room in his crib at 4 months, so there will be those nights his pacifier falls out of his mouth, he has a bad dream, or he’s practicing crawling in his sleep. Either way, those days are long gone and I have learned to function in that very light state of sleep. I still dream, which is nice!
6. Sleeping In
When he wakes up, I’m awake. Every blue moon my sons dad will let me sleep in if he stays over, but it’s a rarity and I’ve just gotten used to waking when he wakes to tackle the day.
7. Late Nights
Sleep is essential. Read all of the above and you’ll understand how staying up late really has no place in my life anymore.
8. Constantly Clean House
Spit up rags, toys, dishes, house shoes…it’s everywhere! Especially since we’re living at work or working at home I mean, keeping a constantly clean home isn’t impossible but it’s not always a priority either. However if there’s any area I try to thrive in its this! Clutter gives me anxiety so trying to function in a mess just isn’t for me.
9. Avoiding Unpleasant Conversations
I have confronted a lot of hard topics with people I found intimidating. Crossing that bridge was important because as a mother, cowering away at the sight of conflict isn’t an option. I’m going to confront things frequently on behalf of my family and standing up for he and I is important. So, if somethings needs to be said, I’ll exercise as tactful an approach as possible. Avoidance has no place in my life. However, this doesn’t mean I’ll engage in pettiness either. I don’t enter every conversation I’m invited to.
10. Going Out To Eat and Dates
I look forward to a real date one day and can’t wait for someone to put me first to do this. I used to love taking myself out as a single woman. As my son gets older, I’m sure he will enjoy some of these places his mama came to love.