Social media is a highlight reel.
It makes it seem like a happy life = one that LOOKS picture-perfect.
But I’ve found happiness requires some not-so-picture-perfect work 🙃
After a chaotic start to motherhood, I committed to that work in 2024.
I decided to:
▪️Dive into @takingcarababies.
▪️Develop the HAPPIEST independent sleeper (who went from waking up every hour to sleeping 12 hours a night)!
▪️(Once we were no longer sleep-deprived): Create a routine in which the whole family can thrive.
▪️Enjoy laughing, playing, and cuddling with Matthias during the day – but include slots of “independent playtime.” This contributes to his development, while giving Mama time to fill her cup.
▪️Recommit to daily Bible study, gratitudes, journaling, and spiritual podcasts.
▪️Follow a consistent bedtime routine – ensuring we A) pray as a family and B) make Matthias feel loved and secure before he puts himself to sleep.
▪️Find a balance between having a routine and being an active part of our family, church, and community (being too structured can be isolating).
▪️Enhance my energy through staying active, intermittent fasting, and eating LOTS of whole foods (but balance is key & nightly snacks are good for the soul) 🥣
▪️Delete social media (and then limit it) to focus on my four walls.
▪️Push myself back into journalism (who says you can’t report on Lebanon during your son’s naps?)
▪️Go on our first family vacation, turn off our phones, and soak up every moment 😊
▪️Use the getaway to reprioritize our marriage (we brought my mother-in-law so Thomas and I could go on dates)!
Funny enough, while we were in the Dominican, I obsessed over getting the “perfect” family photo. But the pics ended up being out of focus. At first, I was devastated. Looking back, I’m glad they turned out this way.
I don’t think the “perfect” photo is very real. It doesn’t represent the mother I’m striving to be. One who lets go of perfectionism, prioritizes the peace of her home, and embraces sacrifice with joy.
I have a long way to go. But I’m finding SO much peace in the process 😊 I look forward to continuing the work in 2025!
