Being Real About Mondays

Mondays - the start of a new week, feeling refreshed, excited and ready for what is ahead!

Let's be real, this was not how I used to feel. I used to dread Mondays, my anxiety and fear of the week would seem like an impossible feat. (part of this was postpartum based after having B) I would be fearful of tantrums in the grocery store, nap time being a struggle, trying to make it somewhere on time ... people do that? (half-kidding!). The fear of not being able to control child behaviours and situations would weigh on me. I would lose count of the meltdowns and tantrums and just pray we would make it through the day. A panic and crushing feeling would start in my chest and I wouldn't know what to do.

To me, it seemed like everyone had it together all the time. (I think social media is bad for this!) What I didn't realize was that I wasn't alone in these feelings, other people struggle with these same things. Not that I wanted to hear other people struggling or feeling this way, but it was nice to know I wasn't alone in this!

I'm not going to say I don't feel these things anymore, but WAY less - and that's because I realized God has so much grace, and in my weakness (which there is a lot of ha!), He works best. Once I admitted I can't do it on my own, and began asking for His help, things became easier. I started feeling more peace and not worrying. I'm not in control, He is - although giving that control up is still a daily struggle.

I decided to start praying that God would change my attitude towards Mondays. (And really all the days!) Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being a mom. It has been the most stretching and rewarding journey with so much joy and love. But there are days where I feel inadequate and discouraged and get caught up in these thoughts. We all have those days. (Here's the link to my previous post about anxiety) Letting go of the worry and living in the moment, praying in the moment, and trusting God has been life-giving and freeing!

So, after all of that rambling, know that you are doing your best, you are valued and loved! You aren't alone and don't be afraid to talk to someone if you are feeling this way! Sometimes all you need is a good heart-to-heart with a friend. :)

Some things that we started doing to prepare us for the week ahead:

1. Have a "rough" daily schedule. I'm a schedule person although I've become more flexible around it, it still helps keep us on track an a bit more sane :) Also, working from home has brought challenges so scheduling in time to work, and putting everything into a planner/phone calendar etc. is so helpful. That way I'm not trying to remember everything by memory because let's face it - I'll forget! haha

2. Plan a couple activities with the kids. Could be a play date, park, zoo, picnic, craft, walk etc. It's nice to have the kids be excited for these things!

3. Plan meals - dinner time can be a stressful with hangry kids so having some meals planned ahead and prepped helps.

4. Pray and ask for help and support from others. We live in an awesome community full of people who care and want to help so don't be shy asking!

If you have anymore tips on preparing for the week I'd love to hear them!

Hope everyone has a great start to your week!

Love,

Lindsay

#lifestyle #mondays #faithoverfear #anxiety #motherhood