Some of you know, and some of you may not, that I am a mom of four children all under 4-years-old. I have also been dealing with a lot of issues since the delivery of my twins.
Postpartum is kicking my butt.
This post isn’t going to be about the hard times though. It’s going to be about ways that we can make our lives a little bit less overwhelming, and take it an easier on ourselves as we try to win whatever battles we may be struggling with.
This is going to be a challenge and I want to see you using the hashtag #smallwins to share in the joys of your day, no matter how tiny they may seem! Some of you may not need this because you have perfected the art of multitasking.
Before my last babies were born, this was me. “Perfectly” together, able to handle everything on my checklist all at one time. Not. A. Chance these days. I have learned that for now, that just has to be acceptable. I am not perfect, I can’t do everything and more on my own, and making sure that I show myself some self-care and self-love to make it through the day is necessary!
I did a Periscope last week about the realities of postpartum, including anxiety and depression, and just the struggles that women go through as moms especially. (You can watch the replay of that here. It sounds like I am talking about random things sometimes because people comment and I try to reply to them right away). The topic was “un-boxing”, but I kind of took it to a more personal/inner level. We talked about the “three wins” challenge and how great it can on a daily basis.
Three Small Wins
The Challenge:
Make life less stressful- Start your day off with three small wins.
Pick three things that you want to accomplish in the day. Whether that be something that looks like:
- Do dishes 2. Keep the kids alive 3. Try to spend 30 min. doing something I enjoy
Or anything else that you want to put on your list! Just start with three. Once you accomplish those, you can check them off and add more to the list that day. If you only get to those three, who cares! You have accomplished three small wins for the day!
Use this challenge to remove some of the things that make you overwhelmed. Even perfectionist clean-freaks, like myself, cannot keep it all together 100% of the time. This is especially true if you are battling inner demons like anxiety, depression, panic, etc… We all need something to help us manage those feelings, find support through those tough days, and make life a little easier on ourselves so that WE take it easier on ourselves.
Finding Joy in Your Version of Crazy
The tagline of my blog is “finding joy in the crazy”. Before I began struggling with anxiety and postpartum issues, only thought it was a cute tagline that I used because I know being a mom is crazy and we all deserve joy. Now, I understand wholeheartedly where the line comes from.
We all have our own version of crazy, whether that be work or school or kids or hobbies or a combination of everything! We also each have our own struggles. There is always an option to find joy inside of whatever craziness surrounds your life. Do what it takes to find that joy!
Remember to use #SMALLWINS to share what wins you have had during the day!
*Cheers to finding joy in the crazy, and winning every single day*
Love this! I am exhausted today so I will try to remember to use the hashtag!!
Lauren recently posted…Homework without Tears
The small wins can be realllly small some days:0 I know mine are today…
Hard enough doing all this without kids so great advice to help those that have that added complexity. Really nice post. Thank you!
Heather with WELLFITandFED recently posted…Save Space And Money With These Top Ten Home Gym Must-Haves
Thanks so much!
My sister-in-law had three boys within a span of 11 months so I know she feels your pain. And to give you hope, they are now in middle school and I see her slowly getting more of HER life back. But they’re the biggest blessings. Thanks for the reminder that the to-do list doesn’t have to be a mile long. It sure feels good to mark a few things off though.
Traci@tracesoffaith recently posted…Lessons Learned From a Neighbor
I love this! I’m 1 month postpartum myself and trying to handle life with a very emotional 3 year old. Thankfully the newborn has been easy so far! I need to put this into practice.
Melissa recently posted…Sisters and Selfies
It is not easy! Postpartum is rough, even more so with toddlers. You can do it mama!
I need this after last week kicked my booty! I can find 3 small wins even on the worst days…I hope!! I’ll keep an eye out for the hashtag!
You can:) Even if they’re really small hehe.
Just motherhood in general can be exhausting. It’s great to focus on the positive & small wins!
Theresa @DearCreatives recently posted…Easy Dessert Recipe: Apple Crisp In Mason Jars So Delicious!
So true!
I love the idea of three small wins….and keeping the kids alive is a good one.
Melissa (Wading Through Motherhood) recently posted…How to Be the Best Mom Ever
It’s always on my list;)
I can definitely relate. I have 2 under the age of 3 (just barely, my second is almost 3) and never struggled with any problems–health or otherwise–until about halfway through my second pregnancy. Suddenly, anxiety just hit me like a ton of bricks, about once a week or so, for seemingly absolutely no reason. I still have anxiety, off and on, a little over a year later but luckily not near as often and I’ve kind of just gotten used to it. Out of the blue, I just suddenly will feel like something is wrong with me, and my body’s reaction is to panic. Ultimately, I just try to calm myself in any way or talk to my husband (who really just doesn’t understand which makes him feel awkward when trying to help me through an anxiety bout). So, it is nice to just hear someone talk about it a little bit. I do think my overall mindset and diet have a lot to do with when and how often my anxiety shows itself, but regardless, it’s just so frustrating to have this new, uncontrollable annoyance to deal with on top of everything else–as I’m sure you know! Great post 🙂
It’s crazy how hard it hits you, and so suddenly a lot of the time! Thank you for sharing your own experience. I have found it so helpful to know that we are not alone in it.
Your scope was just what I needed today. I’m really looking forward to counting my small wins!!! ❤️ I any imagine four under four. I’ve only done two under two… But anyways, know your scope really started my day off beautifully!
Alana recently posted…Upcycle That Broken Down Box Of Chalk
I love how positive you are, it’s inspiring. It has been so neat getting to know you better through September Scopers. I’m definitely going to focus on the small wins. Not going to let the little negatives get me down. Thanks Joanna!
Jules Ruud recently posted…Mommy Meet Up Mondays Week 38
You are so sweet lady!
This was great! 3 things, I can handle coming up with three things. And then it’s a win! I think this is why I like working out first thing in the morning, even if I get nothing else accomplished all day, I know that I worked out!
Becki S recently posted…Guest Post: Autumn Soup
I totally agree about working out. It’s usually one of my first wins for the day:)
i love 3 small wins. it makes it much more do-able. nice post!
I LOVE this! I’ve mentioned that we do toast to 3 things every night that we have accomplished and/or are thankful for. We need reminders and we need perspective (:
sara recently posted…There Is One More Waiting
I love that you do that!!!
[…] idea came from Motherhood & Merlot. Simply, she prompted me to start writing down three small things I’m proud of or grateful […]