Letting go of pressure and making space

As moms we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do the best for our children. No matter whether we stay at home or work full time, feed them by breast or by bottle, sleep them in our bed or in theirs, we only want what is best for our family.

But still we often watch others and wonder, “Am I doing it right?”

It’s so easy to fall into trap of feeling like we need to do more, be more, and provide more for our children.

Insert ‘mommy guilt’ thought here.

Motherhood is allowed to be tiring, challenging, AND rewarding.

Those are actually the exact feelings I’ve also experience watching this community grow and thrive over the past year – it is my other ‘baby’.

I’ve stayed up late nights, worried about feeding the blog the right words, and enjoyed the new experiences I’ve encountered along the way. But with the pressure of wanting nothing but success, healthy growth, and happiness for this baby also comes the feeling that leaves this mama:

EXHAUSTED

I’ve done nothing this past year but worked my butt off to add beautiful people and valuable information to this community, which is wonderful. But, I’ve added a lot and haven’t taken anything away in return. Now this mama is finding she just can’t maintain a schedule that involves daily inspirational emails, twice a week blogging, online and in-person courses, and private coaching. (not to mention a full time job and a family who needs her too).

I’m waving the white flag, I’m over scheduled, I’m in over my head, and I need a break!

And, for once I actually think I’m going to do something about it.

I’m not disappearing. Far from it. I’ve actually got something new in the works that’s been a long time coming.

But I need the time and space to make it happen. Soooooo….

No more courses will be offered for the rest of 2012 and I’ll be cutting back my blogging just a bit with one super valuable post just for you each week.

I’ve gotta be the best mom I can be to ALL my babies and right now that means doing less so I can give more later on.

I will admit to you all that I am a workaholic. I have such a time ‘letting go’ of pressure, ambition, and the desire to help others. I know this shift in priorities and scheduling is going to be a struggle for me and so today I’m going to ask for your help.

Tell me today in the comments: How do you keep the demands of motherhood in check for your family (or business even?) How do you keep the pressure to ‘do it right’ or ‘do it well’ at bay? How do you know when it’s time to change your routine, get more sleep, rest, relax, or do less? Do you clear the time and find the opportunity to make these changes for you and your family?

If you know of someone else you might benefit from these words or have some helpful advice to give won’t you please share this post using one of the easy buttons below?