I didn't accomplish anything today. There were no lines crossed off my to do list; no check marks or gold stars.
By society's standards, quite simply - I failed today.
I read an article the other day that said, "5 Ways to Maximize Your Time." As I read through the suggestions, I laughed.
I'm up before the sun every single day, but not for my dedicated fitness regimen and goal planning session. It's not for meditation or meal prep.
I'm up doing the things that need to be done.
The unseen things. Yet day after day, I have nothing to show for it.
Toys are still scattered throughout the living room, there are dishes in the sink and laundry piled high. I haven't exercised in months and my diet consists of my kiddos leftover cold chicken fries and mac n cheese.
I've been going for what feels like days; months if I'm being honest. My feet are tired and my mind, restless. Yet, everywhere I look the world screams MORE. Like if only I would just try harder and give more of myself then I would somehow be more worthy.
Give more.
Be more.
Do more.
But it's garbage, sis. You want to know why you're so stressed? It's because we've been force fed this idea for so long we actually start to believe it.
I'm over it. I'm done. I'm tired of chasing something that doesn't exist. I'm tired of grasping at straws trying to reach for perfection only to be left with failure.
It's unattainable, sis. It's a gimmick; a marketing ploy.
Running til your bones are tired and your whole body aches - that's not living, that's watching your life go by.
Reality? Life is messy. Some days you're going to crush it. Some days you're going to feel like super woman. You'll cross off line items like it's your job. The kids won't argue and you'll accomplish everything you set out to do that day.
Other days? You're going to hang on by a thread. You're going to wish the day was over at 6:05 in the morning. You're going to question your sanity and whether you're cut out for this at all, but you are.
Let go of perfection. Let go of this idea that hustle and "more" equates to your worthiness. On your worst day you're better than perfect, you're real. You're authentic - living the life you've been given as best you can. Some days that's going to look better than others, but your kids don't want perfection. They want a mama who stumbles and gets back up.
You want to teach them something? Teach them - Perseverance. Teach them that when life hands you a chocolate pie from The Help, you give it a wink and get back up.
You don't need self help books or articles about "5 Ways to Maximize Your Time." You need grace, sis. Give yourself credit. Cut yourself some slack.
So you have nothing to show for it today - I'm right there with you. But don't ever devalue the work that you do every. single. day.
Hustle is last year's word, sis. This year it's all about being real.