As I sit down and make my list for the day I have hope of a fresh start. I am filled with joy and excitement for all that I will accomplish. My list is often full of requirements for the day that cannot be skipped like laundry and dishes.
My list would also contain fun things like crochet, reading, etc… But the fun items would always be at the end of the list. Before I knew it, it was time for bed and day after day the fun things on my list were left unchecked. I was getting most of the required or necessary things done but never any time for myself.
I wasn’t ever finding the time for the things that gave rest to my sole. I wanted to create, crochet, read, sew….
Can you relate? Do you find yourself at the end of each day wondering where your day went and what you actually did with your time?
This was me a few years ago.
I used to believe rest was something you earned.
After the dishes. After the homeschool lessons. After the house looked like a Pinterest board. (Who am I kidding, that never happened either.)
So I’d put off anything I actually enjoyed—like crochet, crafting, creating—because I felt like I hadn’t “earned it” yet.
And let’s be honest… the house was never done.
And even if it was close, by then I was too exhausted to enjoy it. Or it was bedtime. Again.
What I’ve learned about mental health is this:
Joy isn’t a reward.
It’s a requirement.
When I started making time for creativity—not as a “treat,” but as a part of my wellness—that’s when things started getting better.
I had to start putting the things that brought me joy on my required list not at the end. As moms we have to learn to weave in the joyful moments throughout our day. Day after day of not ever allowing yourself to enjoy creating, resting, and just living will lead to burnout.
When you are a including the things you are passionate about it brings a new outlook and a new sense of joy to your days.
Mom’s need:
Less resentment. More energy.
Less burnout. More me time.
If you’ve been waiting for “done” before you do something that lights you up…
This is your sign to start anyway.
What’s something you used to love doing just because?