When I have those good mama days, I just want to bottle it. They are so wonderful, so amazing, I want to repeat it. Desperately. So why not learn from these good days? Take notes, find out what we’re doing right and repeat that? I found the love of this idea from my favorite site, Core Parenting, and I like what the author said: instead of trying to figure out how to make better our plethora of bad days, why not take notes on the good?
I like it.
Being our own guide on what’s best for our own family takes conscious effort and who best on knowing what’s best for own children and family than us mamas?
I know for me, when I am my most patient, in my best mood, my most loving, my most attentive (in other words…at my best), is when I feel my best. Ya know what I mean? I’ve had a full nights rest, I’m dressed for the day at a decent hour, I’m utilizing my talents, my routine is flowing so the house is in good working order, and *ahem* my scripted plans for my life are flowing like a beautiful, flowing stream. These, are the makings for a wonderful day. I also take note of what works for my children so that we avoid unnecessary meltdowns, such as: slower mornings and planned, somewhat structured days; a wonderful day in the making!
Now I realize that having a wonderful day everyday is not an easy task, there are just so many variables when raising children. But, there is a way to make most days wonderful days and that is to take care of you! To make sure we are living consciously: regularly replenishing ourselves before it’s too late, getting enough rest, having our quiet time with God, daily, to dream, to plan, to be the authors of our own lives, and to use our talents on an everyday basis. The rest of the formula for good days are going to be unique to you and your family. This, my friends, is a wonderful formula for bottling the good days.
So when the bad days do strike, which they will, ditch the plans and rest with your babes, taking it extra slow. Joy comes in the morning again and God gives us a whole new day to live life to the fullest.
You are an amazing mom, allow flexibility in your days, take care of yourself, see joy in the everyday, and understand that you are the best person for this job! Even when you’re in a bad mood…
See, you can bottle the good days!
How do you set yourself up for good days? How do you handle the bad?
Love it I think we all get caught up in what we think should be accomplished during the day and both kids and adults have off days. Rest in the Lord.
I have a rough time in the evenings. I am a SAHM. Hubs works full-time outside of the home. When he gets home, we are both tired. But because his home time is his recharge time, he doesn't understand how I am tired. And he rests. I have a good solid 5 more hours of stuff to do. And I get resentful, especially now that he is talking about the "need" for me to return to working outside of the house. That means I will do the same thing he does, but instead of getting to rest in the evenings, I will have 15 hours of stuff to squeeze into the same 5 hours I have now. I know tons of moms do it, I just haven't had to since my oldest was a newborn. I am feeling the "pressure" now more than ever to really embrace life planning. And I love the idea of bottling good days, so that I will have a blueprint to follow to keep those bad days, or times of day, from overwhelming me. Thanks for all you do!!
Hi Jennifer!
I know…it's hard isn't it? How old are your babes? I was in your shoes once; when all my children were small, I didn't have any help until my husband was home and quite frankly, he did rest as well and it was a source of frustration for me. But that was also before I understood the crucial importance of planning my days as I do now. Planning your days will be a wonderful way to spread out your needs for the home throughout the week paying attention to what works and what doesn't and not doing too many activities in this season; living slowly. This should keep you as caught up as you can, keeping what you do to a minimum after dinner and to just relax with your husband and enjoy your family. Joy comes again in the morning and you can tend to the home again and do not forget to script some of your dreams…this is so important as a SHAM. It will invigorate you and bring you joy to use your talents!
If working outside the home is in your future, all more the importance of getting out that life planner! Just remember this is just a season and to live it to the fullest. Your children will only stay small for a short while. These are just some things I wish I knew instead of stressing out when my older babes were small…
God bless you!!