It can wait.
Such a simple concept, yet so powerful. When I finally wrapped my head around these 3 particular words, I started stressing less and enjoying motherhood more.
Getting home after a long day at work was always the most stressful time of day for me. I was so excited to be home with my husband and son, but at the same time I immediately started thinking about the many things I needed to do as soon as I walked through the door. I had to change clothes, put something together for dinner, feed my son, give him a bath, make lunches for the next day, clean the kitchen, etc. It was exhausting simply pondering where to start. My husband is beyond wonderful and would always help me check things off my to-do list, but it was still overwhelming. I often found myself so focused on what needed to be done in preparation for the following day that I failed to enjoy the short time we had together in the evenings. I knew something had to change, but didn’t know what to do.
A few weeks ago, for some reason, rather than getting straight to business when I got home from work, I pushed everything to the back of my mind and thought to myself ,”It can wait.” I picked up my son and just held him. I gave him a big hug and refused to let him go (until he started squirming incessantly). I kissed my husband and we talked about our days at work. It felt amazing! Like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Why hadn’t I done this before? Why must I always feel a sense of urgency, like everything needs to be done right away? Things will get done eventually, so what’s the harm in waiting a few hours? That night we still went to bed around the same time as we did every night. The biggest difference was the way I felt. For the first time in months, I was in the moment.
People often told me something has to give when you have a baby, and they couldn’t be more right. I always assumed that they were referring to more take-out meals and a dirty house, but it was much more than that for me. I needed to give up the mentality that I had to do it all and get everything done right away. My Type A personality was causing me unnecessary anxiety and taking away from the precious moments I have with my son. Once I realized that the world wouldn’t end if I left a few things for later, I became a much less stressed momma!
The next time you feel overwhelmed thinking about your to-do list and see the basket of laundry on the floor and dirty dishes piling up in the sink, take a deep breath and say to yourself, “It can wait.”
