I recently took a class through work on leadership and the instructor mentioned that the average person processes 50,000 thoughts a day. I had never stopped to think about what number I thought would be the answer if asked that question, but 50,000 seemed like a lot to me.
Then I couldn’t help but immediately guess that moms process even more than that. I feel like my head is constantly processing, receiving, trying to remember or relaying back information. I sometimes struggle with active listening because it is so easy for my mind to wander, even to the most random things. It is not uncommon that I am in a meeting but soon enough thinking about whether or not I pulled the chicken out from the freezer for dinner tonight or trying to recall if I am on soccer duty and my husband on swim team duty, or the other way around.
This is not to say that dads do not also have that constantly moving mind but I know it is more common for women to more easily multi task; thus making me assume we just might process more throughout any given day.
I was chatting with some friends the other day and we were airing some grievances about everyday life. Being behind on laundry, feeling like all we do after work is chauffeur kids around, being slightly embarrassed at how dirty our floors and toilets are. Overall just feeling a bit overwhelmed.
GettyImages | Georgijevic
It wasn’t in a totally negative way; it was more in a way of just sharing and empathizing and honestly laughing about how crazy life can be sometimes during many seasons of mom-hood. Sure, there are some things that each of us were succeeding in; and that varies from woman to woman.
The common theme was that there were more things on our to-do lists than there were on our check-done lists. Probably because life keeps piling up at a much faster speed than we are always able to complete things. There are also many things on our minds and hearts that we cannot put a check mark next to; things like dealing with teenage hormones.
Then one mom chimed in and summed it up perfectly.
“I am behind on life” she said.
A brief pause and then a unanimous “yes, same!” came from all the rest of us. Followed by laughter.
It was one of those moments I was reminded why I need mom friends. To have a community of women who truly get me. Who know that being behind on life isn’t horrible, it’s just the reality. It is ok to feel that way and it’s so validating to be reminded of this.
We sat there sharing more and I left with my soul feeling full.
This whole behind on life thing might be something that sticks with me but in a good way. It gives me the reminder that I am not the only one who feels this way. It gives me the ability to give myself grace anytime I need it; which is often.
50,000 + thoughts a day is a lot. Throw on top of that the actual things we need to do, it’s no wonder many of us feel overwhelmed at certain times.
Mom, if you are in an extra overwhelming season or maybe just feeling that constant awareness of your to-do list and 50,000 thoughts to process; give yourself grace.
Give yourself permission to be ok with being behind on life. Find laughter in the moments you walk into your laundry room convinced every piece of clothing your family owns somehow is dirty and staring you down.
Being a little behind on life is ok. I am convinced it is the norm so we are all in good company.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
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