It occurred to me earlier that my life seems to revolve around ticking all the boxes. I mean, I looked at my 11 month-old daughter playing with her toys, and I ran through a mental check list:
1. Has she been fed? Check. 2. Has she had her milk? Check. 3. Has she had enough playtime? Check. 4. Has she got a clean nappy? Check. 5. Does she need a nap? Check. 6. Does she need more cuddles? Check.
Ticking the Boxes of Motherhood
And I wonder why I am exhausted! This check list runs on a repeat cycle all day, every day, and not just with her. I do a similar one with my 3 year-old, although of course the nappy is replaced with toilet visits, the milk with drinking water, etc. These are the things we take for-granted, and yet they are the core essentials for growing our human race. Alongside this I am desperately trying to develop my career, so that I can earn extra money to pay for family holidays, and for my own personal satisfaction and well-being.
Last week I wrote about feeling a sense of peace at last. This is true, but alongside that peaceful attitude is one of doing everyday jobs, and just doing what humans do naturally. Sometimes I look back on my day and wonder just what exactly I have been doing. Sometimes it is hard to see what takes up all my time, and why I can’t seem to find twenty minutes some days to write a bit of my latest novel. Then I realise, all those cuddles, games, washing and feeding my children actually do take time. You can’t just click your fingers and everything is done (unless you are Mary Poppins!) So now I allow the peaceful feeling to return, and I congratulate myself on doing a damned good job at being Mother.
Have a lovely weekend my friends!
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SpookyMrsGreen 
I think my wife feels the same!
I’m sure she does! I think it’s a common ‘affliction’ – for the love of our children eh? 🙂
It is!
Yep– them’s the days! Great post.
I know what you mean about not knowing where the time goes. Sometimes I look up (especially now that my daughter’s on summer break) and wonder what I’ve done when the kitchen is still a mess, I’ve forgotten to change the dog’s papers again, and can’t remember if I ever took that bathroom break. Then I take a deep breath and realize that my daughter is happy and healthy, my husband and I could care less about the messy countertops and I had at least a little time to devote to my craft (even if it’s only reading other people’s work to find inspiration). I think we mothers should be more proud of all we accomplish within a 24 hour period.
Too right! We do what feels natural, and our children are loved and nurtured, just as they should be. Thanks for commenting
I know what you mean about ticking boxes, with my first I was very obsessed with his development because I am autistic so pariond. But you do from time to time get peaceful moment but ironically when you feel that way is when I am the happiest X
Yes, we must savour those peaceful moments! 🙂
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