Yesterday I had my yearly physical and after gaining a few pounds since last year because (gestures around to life) I was worried my doctor would shame me for it.

I was already mentally preparing for the lecture on vegetables as I walked in the door clutching my reasons and excuses tightly.

To beat him to the punch I blurted out that I've been feeling a bit bloated since the holidays.

Then I held my breath.

But you know what this wonderful doctor said?

"Sometimes the healthy foods you're eating can make you bloated. How are you feeling with the kids and managing everything during COVID?"

Big exhale.

He was in my corner asking the right question.

I hadn't realized how much I needed that.

Now I get to pass this message along to you as friendly reminder to give yourself a break from trying to check all the boxes all the time too.

If you are a box checker and this is hard for you, I get it. I’m super type A and I make my living as a career coach helping other moms make big life changes.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be happier, find more fulfillment, and even make more money. It’s great!

But we’re also all just people, out here trying our best!

So remember that if you’re wearing old sweatpants while parenting through a pandemic, that’s fine!

If you’re serving cereal for dinner this week because you have a lot going on at work, fine!

If you tucked your kids into bed but didn’t check everything off your to do list today, fine!

The secret to having it all is figuring out what your ALL really is, and knowing that your ALL will change as life changes.

For me, this is not the season of rock-hard abs. It’s just not in my ALL.

But it is the season of being proud of what I’ve accomplished, being present for my family, and laughing every time I remember my doctor basically told me to eat cookies instead of kale because life is kind of stressful right now.

So as we all manage life in 2022, let’s keep asking each other how we’re doing, listening to the answers, and supporting one another along the way. It could make all the difference.