This week has felt mentally crowded. Frank’s had to work late in preparation for the tax extension deadline so bedtime has been on my own. But what’s really thrown me for a loop is that Elle has decided to stop napping. Right when I thought I was going to have two mornings a week to myself and an afternoon of quiet, it’s become a battle.
I decided to handle this shift in routine like the mature and capable adult that I am. I grumped and threatened and got really, really annoyed. How dare my three-year-old ruin my ME time?!
Often, my go-to defense is to turn inward. I go into a self-sufficient mode, I don’t ask for help, and I don’t vent to my friends. This usually doesn’t help anything. I finally emerged from this space, went for a walk with a friend, Voxed another friend who has kids farther along than mine and gained some perspective.
I realized I need to recalibrate my expectations. Much like sleep regression, we need to start a new naptime training and move toward “quiet rest time.” Maybe on the days when it’s too much of a fight, we run errands or do other chores. Maybe we’ll go for a hike. I don’t know.
What I do know is that the woe is me feeling isn’t helpful. It has me reflecting on the ways life so often doesn’t go according to plan. I expect to enter a new season with grace and ease, floating through the transition beautifully. The reality usually is something quite different.
I hope what I’ve learned from this start-of-the-school-year nap boycott is to step back and assess what I can do when life doesn’t go according to plan. I know I can always throw a fit, but maybe there’s another way. Maybe next time, I’ll go for a walk first or Vox my friend with the gritty parts of life.
That’s what community is all about. I’m hoping that by leaning in, I find space to breathe this next week. That this crowded feeling eases and we move into a new rhythm.
How do you deal with the unexpected? What’s your best way of dealing with these crowded weeks?
Linked with Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing. Today’s prompt is “crowd.”
Annie Rim 
I liked this idea of finding what we CAN do when things don’t go as planned instead of stewing over the fact that they aren’t working out according to our expectations. Something to remember! And as a nanny of younger children I can identify with your nap story too. 🙂 Your FMF neighbor #24
I want to practice making this my go-to response… What can I do? How can I spin the situation positively? Practice, right?
Believe me, I know how it feels. Day by day, week by week, month by month, and yes, year by year.
When mine were all little tikes, home schooling and the likes. (Hay, I’m a poet 😉
I knew God was right along with me. But one thing someone said e-ons ago that really helped were just 3 words. It’s only temporary
So when I was sensing a bit of discontent and selfishness forming inside, those 3 words would pop up. Great story, Annnie, and… ADORABLE photo 🙂
Yes! I love having the perspective of moms who have gone before me. I need the reminders that these are moments; that they will pass; that it’s better than it feels in the moment… Thanks for stopping by!
This week, the unexpected trials of the hurricane have changed activities and caused worry. My husband and I evacuated and then, decided to return home. A first time conference has been rescheduled due to the weather. I appreciate the wisdom of the leaders in rescheduling. Through each experience this week, I have asked God to show me things I am supposed to be learning. 🙂
Oh, praying for safety… I was thinking of all those who have much greater “crowds” in their lives as I wrote this. Holding you all in our thoughts!
How did I not know that your a Voxer too? And praying you find some balance for you both. I’m in the 33 spot this week.
Ha! Yes – Voxer has saved me. (Let’s connect!) 🙂 Thank you for your prayers… Trying to remember transitions take time.
I can see the ‘crowded life’ from another perspective; the last three nights Barb has had to sit up with me for a bit as the pain was uncontrollable, and then go to work the next day. She’s exhausted, and I am encouraging her to use the time she can to rest, or to be out of the house doing something fun.
Oh, that’s hard. Keeping Barb & her “self-care” in my prayers. She needs energy and rest!