Life as a parent is a wild ride, right?
It’s a mix of beautiful moments and crazy chaos, and sometimes it feels like finding balance is an impossible task. If you’re tired, frustrated, and just trying to keep it all together, know that I’m right there with you.
I recently spilled my heart out in an article for Soulacy Magazine, sharing my own adventure through the ups and downs of parenthood. It’s a journey where taking care of our kids collides with looking after aging parents, all while dealing with the stuff from our own childhoods.
Parenting is a rollercoaster, from cozy moments with a sick kiddo to trying to squeeze in some yoga or mindfulness. We all know these things can make a huge difference, but let’s be real β finding the time and sticking with it is tough. And stepping off that zen mat right into a chaotic house? Well, it’s not exactly peaceful.
As our kids grow up, we face new challenges. The responsibilities of caring for aging parents get heavier. It’s that tricky “sandwich” phase, trying to balance our children’s needs with the new role we play for our parents.
I’m a people-pleaser by design and conditioning.
When I was younger, I thrived on the external validation being a people-pleaser got me. By the time I became a parent, while I was burnt-out and resentful of my tendancy to take care of others before taking care of myself, I struggled to learn to put on my own oxygen mask first.
The swinging pendulum of my behavior and my critical self-talk as I tried to navigate finding the balance caused just as much stress.
The aha moment came when I realized that I needed to rethink what it means to be a people-pleaser.
Taking care of others brings me joy. I’m a natural nurturer. Sometimes, I get so lit up by people-pleasing that my actions that day get written down in my gratitude journal.
And, yes, there are days when I say yes to things I really don’t want to do and I end up frustrated at myself as much as the other person.
The key is being intentional about when and where and how I show up. Some days are a win, and some days I need extra grace, compassion, and self-reflection.
I dug deeper into all of this in my Soulacy Magazine piece. If you’re on the lookout for insights and a bit of solidarity in the messy world of parenting, you can check out the full article here.
Sending you all the good vibes on this crazy, beautiful ride,
