I feel like the last few weeks have been one thing after another.
And when I say one thing after another, I mean I genuinely don't think I've had enough time to process one situation before something else decides to happen.
Between sick kids, unexpected house repairs, preparing for a military move, and trying to keep up with everyday life, I feel like I've been running on autopilot.
And the crazy part?
Life doesn't stop just because you're overwhelmed.
The laundry still needs to be done. The kids still need to eat. Diapers still need changing. Appointments still need to be remembered.
And somehow, you're supposed to find time to take care of yourself in the middle of all that.
If somebody figures out how to do that consistently, please let me know. 😂
When Everything Happens at Once
Recently, it feels like our house has been going through its own little reality show.
We had a water leak that turned into flooring being pulled up, repairs being scheduled, and the kind of unexpected chaos you really don't want to deal with when you're already preparing to move.
Because apparently packing up an entire household with three toddlers wasn't enough excitement.
Then, of course, the kids got sick.
And I got sick.
Because why would we all be healthy at the same time when we could make things interesting?
There were nights when I was dealing with a crying toddler, congested babies, and barely having a voice myself.
And as much as I wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for an entire day, motherhood doesn't exactly come with sick leave.
You still have little people depending on you.
You still have to figure out meals.
You still have to keep everybody somewhat entertained.
And you still have to show up, even when you feel like you have absolutely nothing left to give.
The Mental Load Doesn't Take a Day Off
I think one of the hardest parts of being overwhelmed is that sometimes you don't even realize how much you're carrying until something small pushes you over the edge.
It might be another mess to clean up.
Another appointment to schedule.
Another thing that breaks.
Or somebody asking you a question when you've already answered approximately 47 questions in the last ten minutes.
And suddenly, you're irritated over something that normally wouldn't bother you.
Not because that one thing is necessarily a big deal.
But because it's one more thing.
One more responsibility.
One more decision.
One more problem to figure out.
And sometimes, you just want somebody else to figure something out for a change.
I love my family, but that doesn't mean I don't get tired.
It doesn't mean I don't get frustrated.
And it definitely doesn't mean I have an unlimited amount of patience.
I'm human.
And sometimes, I'm overwhelmed.
Preparing for Another Chapter While Still Living This One
On top of everything happening at home, we're getting ready for another military move.
We're leaving Indiana and heading to Kansas.
And while I'm excited about having a new home and starting another chapter, there's a whole lot that has to happen before we get there.
Sorting through things.
Getting rid of things we don't need.
Making sure everything is ready for the movers.
Trying to remember what absolutely cannot get packed.
And, of course, continuing to raise three little humans who couldn't care less about moving deadlines.
They just want their snacks, their toys, and whatever I'm holding that they're suddenly interested in.
Honestly, I respect their priorities. 😂
But there's also an emotional side to this move.
Because shortly after we settle into Kansas, my husband will be leaving for a year-long assignment in Cuba.
So while I'm preparing for one major life change, I'm also thinking about the next one.
And sometimes, I catch myself worrying about things that haven't even happened yet.
How will the kids adjust?
How will I adjust?
What will our new routine look like?
How am I going to balance everything while he's gone?
I know we'll figure it out.
We always find a way.
But knowing you'll figure something out doesn't mean you're not allowed to be nervous about it.
Sometimes I Just Need a Minute
I've noticed that when life gets overwhelming, I tend to focus on what still needs to be done instead of acknowledging what I've already accomplished.
I can spend an entire day taking care of the kids, cleaning, cooking, handling appointments, and working on things around the house.
But if I look around at the end of the day and see toys everywhere or laundry that still needs folding, my first thought is that I didn't get enough done.
Which is ridiculous when I really think about it.
Because I did a lot.
It just wasn't the kind of work that comes with a neat little checklist and a satisfying checkmark at the end.
Some days, keeping everybody fed, safe, and relatively happy is the accomplishment.
Some days, making it through bedtime is the accomplishment.
And some days, deciding that the laundry can wait until tomorrow is probably the smartest decision I've made all day.
I'm trying to get better at recognizing that.
I'm also learning that taking a break doesn't mean I'm being lazy.
Sometimes I need to sit down.
Sometimes I need to play a video game.
Sometimes I need to work on something that has absolutely nothing to do with diapers, dishes, or moving boxes.
And sometimes I need to do absolutely nothing.
Although, with three little ones, doing absolutely nothing is usually a very short-lived experience. 😂
I'm Learning to Give Myself Some Grace
I don't have some magical solution for handling everything life throws at you.
If I did, trust me, I'd be using it right now.
But I am learning that I don't have to handle everything perfectly.
The house doesn't have to look perfect every day.
Every meal doesn't have to be homemade.
Every item on my to-do list doesn't have to get checked off.
And I don't have to pretend I'm handling everything effortlessly when I'm not.
There are going to be overwhelming days.
There are going to be days when I feel like I have everything under control.
And there are going to be days when I wonder how it's only noon because I feel like I've already lived three entire days.
That's just the season I'm in right now.
And as much as I wish life would slow down sometimes, I know this season won't last forever.
Eventually, the repairs will be finished.
The moving boxes will be unpacked.
We'll settle into new routines.
And the things that feel so overwhelming right now will become stories I tell later.
Probably while laughing about how absolutely ridiculous everything was.
But until then, I'm taking things one day at a time.
Or one hour at a time.
Depending on how the kids are acting. 😂
A Little Reminder to Myself
If there's one thing these past few weeks have taught me, it's that life doesn't wait until you're ready.
Sometimes everything happens at once.
Sometimes your plans fall apart.
Sometimes you're exhausted before the day even begins.
And sometimes you have to remind yourself that you're doing the best you can with what you have.
I don't need to have everything figured out today.
I don't need to be productive every waking minute.
And I don't need to feel guilty for admitting that I'm tired.
Because being overwhelmed doesn't mean I'm failing.
It means I have a lot going on.
And right now?
I really do.
So if you're in a season where everything seems to be happening at once, I hope you remember to give yourself a little grace too.
The dishes can wait sometimes.
The laundry will still be there tomorrow.
And you deserve a moment to yourself, even when life feels like it won't slow down long enough to give you one.
Until next time. 🤎
