Friends,

Who else can relate?

That the weight trailing behind, especially around Christmas can be unbearable...

It is often a heavy load and one that I have realized I don’t need to fully take on alone though...

So, why?
Why do I allow this weight to weigh me down, pull me under, leaving me gasping for breath and air to make it through another day?

So, when?
When did I start to feel the pressure to be everything to everyone and to fulfill this role for so many people in my life?

So, who?

Who allows this? Who allows this weight to stagger in, scramble around and take over?

Me! I do, I do!

Causing me to believe that I have to take on the ultimate load of the holiday season and life in general?

So, Where? Where do I take on this substantial weight?

Anywhere... let’s be honest...

The weight is felt laying in bed as the sun is rising,

while aimlessly combing the aisles of Target for one last gift,

standing at the stove sautéing garlic,

driving in the car,

and while trying to squeeze in a short, yet oh so steamy shower.

I think I have come to the conclusion though, that once you become a mama, you can just double the weight you carry around each day.

Mamas, if you are anything like me, just know that
you don’t have to carry this heavy load alone...

you don’t have to believe in the hype that we have to do it all.

All our children need, is for us to be present...

to be engaged...

to offer love...

to stand by their side when their load is too heavy and maybe carry some for them.

Mamas, let’s offer ourselves this gift...

the gift of letting go trying to do it all...

the gift of offering what we can each day and leave it at that.

Some days will be better than others, of course, but let’s keep our head held high, recognize we did the best job we could do for that day and wrap ourselves in a hug and breathe.

Breathe...

It’s okay if there wasn’t time to vacuum since Christmas cookies were being made with your kiddos...

It’s okay to leave a load of laundry to fold until tomorrow, trust me, it will still be there tomorrow...

It’s okay to say I need a break and to binge watch Schitt’s Creek...

It is all okay...

no one expects you to be perfect and to fill every role that society has placed on mothers.

So mama,
my wish for you and I both today,

is for the weight we are carrying around to lighten and to find peace within our hearts, knowing we are fabulous women and mamas...