It’s been one of those weeks where I’ve felt like a bit of a less than average Mama. I’m not Martha Stewart, (although I never have been) I’m certainly not heading up the Brady Bunch or the Partridge Family over here, but I am doing my very best. It feels like we’ve just entered day 456 of this quarantine and to be honest, I’m over it. I’m tired…like bone tired all of the time. And occasionally a little teary too. I’m incredibly frustrated with the state of the world, that people can’t just have the decency to wear their damn masks and that the vaccine for Covid19 is going to take months and months to roll out. I miss my parents, my sister, my friends, just ….normal life. My heart aches for my girls who’s University educations have been rocked. No student should ever have to do a year entirely on line. They feel abandoned, forgotten and alone and I’m at a loss with how else to support them. I’m craving travel and dinners out and a simple date with my man at the movies. I know these are “champagne” problems but I miss all those things and so much more. I don’t want to be afraid every time someone sneezes and I don’t feel like suzy freaking sunshine. Frankly, today I don’t feel okay. So you know what I’ve decided? It’s okay NOT to be Okay.
It’s Okay…
~That my family will be eating leftovers tonight, hey, it means they had a decent meal last night.
~To be enjoying my salad and pretending it’s healthy even though it’s slathered in dressing, berries and nuts.
~ To not be 100 percent sure what the date is. At least I’m pretty sure what day of the week it is.
~ It’s okay to change out of my PJ’s and into my yoga pants. I mean I showered. (but hey, it would be okay if I skipped that too)
~ To forgive myself for not being one of those Mom’s who’s making bread or scones, organizing field trips and reorganizing every closet in the house.
~To embrace a slower pace.
~It’s okay to not feel inspired to start a new project or take over the world.
~To declare a puzzle a family project and make it stretch out an entire day. Spiked hot cocoa may also be a big part of the afternoon agenda.
~It’s okay to eat too much popcorn, cheese or chocolate. Really, what’s the harm? Clearly I’ve decided I will not be one of those Mama’s that comes out of the quarantine all hawt and skinny.
~ To be a little bit proud that my Great Dane pup is thriving and weighs over 120 lbs now. I wish people were impressed every time I put on a few extra pounds.
~To look at a day with groceries purchased, a walk outside and a good movie as a great day.
~To turn off the television, the computer and hide from the news for a day. We all need a break.
~ To quietly nibble on some chocolate tonight after the kids go to bed, I mean, I ate salad for lunch.
If you’re feeling a little down, a tad frustrated and like you’re the only Mama not “Living Her Best Life” during this crazy state of her life please know you are not alone. You don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s okay to cry a little, mourn the family gatherings lost and be upset for a little while. Forgive yourself, ask for help or a hug if you need it, and move on. This sucks, it’s hard, but like all thing this too shall pass and try and remember, it really is okay to not be okay.