Perfectionism vs. Sanity: Motherhood Edition
I have learned to simply take a deep breath and focus on what really matters
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I used to need to have everything under control.
I couldn’t go to bed unless the kitchen was spotless, floors swiped, clutter put away.
Things needed to be perfect.
But life happens, and sometimes that wasn’t possible. I went out with friends on a weekday, and resting was more important than a couple of dirty dishes in the sink.
Leaving the house without making my bed had to become an accepted outcome if I overslept.
At the beginning of my adult life, I would put way too much shame on myself for these “less-than-perfect “ outcomes.
But over the years, I learned how to accept my human condition, and how to find peace in a less-than-perfect environment.
What I didn’t know at that point was that I was cultivating one of the most important skills to help me keep my sanity once I became a mother.
Today, I was cooking dinner, clearing dishes, setting up the table, and attending to my children’s demands all at once.
Because I am no superhuman, I didn’t realize that my 1-year-old had found the markers and painted with them all over the sofa.
For a second, I was in shock, and my natural reaction was to start cleaning. But I stopped right there.
Silvia, this is not a priority right now.
Dinner is almost ready and everyone is hungry and tired.
I put away the markers so no more damage would happen. Explained to my little monster that we don’t paint on furniture. Sat everyone down at the table, had dinner, and proceeded with baths, pajamas, story time, and night nights.
I didn’t lose my temper (yay!).
Yes, I will cringe at the sight of markers all over the sofa until I have the time to look for the best method to remove the stains.
But I won’t lose my sanity over it.
After years of therapy and journaling, I now understand what constitutes a priority. And my children’s needs are and should stay, as my number one priority.
Some markers on the sofa don’t take my sanity away.
