My friend (a counselor) has noticed time and time again that her clients go through the same things at the same time even though they don’t know each other. If one is feeling tired and overwhelmed, her other clients complain of the same thing. If one is going through an anxious period, the rest are feeling anxious as well.
It’s a weird phenomenon and one not easily explained. The weather? World events? Who knows what causes a group of strangers to all feel the same way at a synchronized time?
Whatever the reason, the friends I talked to this year were overwhelmed and stressed to a higher degree while preparing for the holidays. Most of us are “mom-veterans” and have done the prep for years, but this year just wore us out.
I had a hard time wanting to do even the things I usually enjoy. Trimming the tree, decorating, and baking felt like chores and I didn’t want to do them. I was fascinated to find that other people felt the same way. Mom-burn-out was everywhere.
I saw a lovely letter to moms on social media this week and I paraphrase it here for you:
Dear Mamas,
In case no one tells you, thank you for all of your hard work. Thank you for all the planning, organizing, shopping, baking, and everything else you do to make Christmas special. You are the creator of magical childhood memories.
Love, Your Kids
Isn’t that a lovely sentiment? Sometimes we just need to be reminded of the importance of our existence.
Now it is finally January and a long time ago I decided to treat January in a different way. No more resolutions or crazy cleaning and organizing, instead I would do what I needed for peace and relaxation. Sure, I have to remind myself (sometimes repeatedly) to lose the guilt and just breathe for a while, but it is so worth it.
If you need some ideas on how to recharge this month, I’ve linked some past blogs on the subject (apparently, it’s a subject close to my heart).
After making all those Christmas memories for your family, you have my permission to rest, recharge, and relax in January.
You deserve it!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
