Why You Can’t Afford to BURN OUT as a Mom

Everyone's talking living intentional these days, and for good reason.

We are all concerned about the high levels of stress faced on a daily basis.  Our lives are full with activity and commitments.

Pressured into saying yes more often than we'd like, our to-do lists grow faster than items can get crossed off.  We burn the candle at both ends, hoping to get more done in less time.

Basically, I think we're a tired bunch.

"There's absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush. Everybody should be free to go very slow."   ~ Robert Frost

I've definitely lived there in different seasons, and most likely, you have too.  As Moms, with a long list of practical things to take care of, marriages to nurture, jobs to juggle, and kiddos to raise…we're probably high among those most likely to burn out.

I'm not talking about having a bad day or times of feeling overwhelmed — those are natural, normal parts of taking on anything big, and parenting is HUGE.

I'm talking of being in a constant season of  self-defeating practices that offer our minds, bodies and spirits little room to breathe….or none at all.  Of not practicing rest as a regular pattern, but enjoying it only as a once-a-year indulgence.

Of expecting perfection of ourselves or thinking we have to be everything to everyone — all of the time.

Of placing before ourselves way too much eye candy (and therefore sometimes mommy envy) in the form of pinning, tweeting, liking, googling more and more and MORE ideas that leave us feeling like frump Mom with a disorganized house who can't even pull off a birthday party for crying out loud!

Of feeling guilty over being a 'bad mom' when we're probably over-comparing ourselves.

These are examples and there's certainly nothing wrong with a nice vacation or using social media.  But, if we're quickly burning out and living in a frazzled, overly stressed-out manner…organized home or not, we're on the wrong track.

And we just can't afford that direction for long.  Why?

Because our kids are watching.

From us, they are learning patterns for the future.

Those little eyes, little hearts (or big eyes and big hearts) are getting clues about how to live their lives down the road.  One day they'll no longer be playing house, it will all be for real, and do we want them living like we do?

Through me, the girls in our home learn about setting boundaries, practicing rest, taking care of oneself — or not.

Through me, the boys in our home learn what to expect of their wives in a distant but really not-so-far time when they'll recall just how Mama went about her days.

Oh, it's a little sobering to think about, but think on it we should.  Leaving them a legacy of healthy habits in the balance between work and rest is vital — important.

So, how are you doing Mom?

 ~Daniele of Domestic Serenity

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