On life's busiest chapter
Top of Mind 12.13.23
“There is no perfect life, but we can fill it with perfect moments.”
- Julianne Moore
Currently….
I’ve had the exact same conversation twice with different groups of friends in the past week: the challenge of balancing motherhood with a career and time for ourselves feels nearly impossible. It's a sentiment that seems to resonate universally, especially as we navigate the multifaceted demands of life.
The holiday season intensifies this struggle. We find ourselves in the role of festive 'magic makers', balancing the emotional needs of our children with end-of-year work deadlines, managing holiday cards, gift shopping, social obligations, and somehow, remembering the tiny details like 'funny sweater day' at preschool.
But here's what I keep reminding myself: we're deep in the thick of life's busiest chapter. We're expected to be nurturing, maintain fitness, feed our families, prioritize self-care, nurture our marriage, and climb the career ladder. It's a lot of expectations, and sometimes, it feels like we're just a step away from losing our sanity.
With this reminder, my holiday wish for you is to find joy in the small victories. Let's appreciate the moments when we do get everyone out the door on time, or when we manage to get a home cooked meal on the table. Let's practice patience in our parenting, remembering that this stage of life is as fleeting as it is challenging.
Let's focus on connection over striving for holiday perfection. Remember, it's in the imperfect moments that the most genuine memories are often made - feelings, not things should be prioritized.
Self-compassion is crucial. In the pursuit of juggling everything, it's important to remind ourselves that it's okay if we “drop the ball” or lose our cool momentarily. Our best is more than enough.
Let's try to maintain an overwhelming positivity, focusing on the good moments. Our energy and attitude makes a significant difference in how our kids perceive their experiences.
Trust in the decisions you make for yourself and your family. You know your needs and circumstances better than anyone else.
And finally, a true 'Out of Office': the importance of unplugging, stepping away from work, and being fully present with our families.
With this mindset, I'm heading off to Mexico for a week of uninterrupted family time ✌️
All The Things
If I were to gift one thing this holiday season…
To me: At Home Gel Polish Kit I know several people who own and rave about it, and just got it gifted to me last week!
To my mom: Eberjey PJs so comfy, so cozy
To my dad: Vuori Dreamknit Crew time to upgrade his old sweatshirts
To my toddler: Watertable a gift for them, but really you: hours of entertainment
To my preschooler: Robot Magnetic Set Caden is fascinated by this building set
To my husband: Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp Kit it hangs, fits a ton and is high quality
To my sister-in-law: Everlane Half Zip Merino a WFH staple I can’t stop wearing
Get my curated gift guides to simplify gift shopping this season.
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Thanks for the continued support on this journey,
Barbara Mighdoll