It’s true….. I HAVE LOST my *&^%%%!! More than once in the past few weeks. As I talked to my friends I realized they have too. I realized I am not alone. I am not my “best” momma when I’m constantly being crawled on, whined to, and being a restaurant. I am my best when I have a break and lets get real, we all are. No matter, what we are doing, it’s best to take a break from whatever we are constantly doing to refresh our spirit and minds.

But… right now, thats even harder than ever. When friends ask me how I am holding up during this time I honestly say, “well, not much has changed for me, the rest of the world is feeling what I have felt the past 3 years.” I find ways to work through the challenges of mom life that is the biggest blessing yet the hardest most expensive personal development program out there.

For the past two weeks during this Corona Virus epidemic, the biggest feeling I’ve felt is shock. Shocked, yet feeling at peace knowing in faith, that God has already overcome the world. During these last two weeks I’ve seen many posts of people wanting ideas and activities on what to do “with” their kids all day. I too felt some of this and have thought maybe I should be doing MORE. I know some of you have felt that way too.

Then I realized after sitting back and just “being” my kids who are small children (5 months, 2 and 5) they need me to just BE with them. My daughter always says she misses me and wants me to just BE with her and play. As a woman who has a soul on fire to become and learn and strive for more “being” doesn’t come easy for me. It’s something I intentionally have to be aware of to do. I thrive off being in action. Taking action on my God given goals, dreams and plans. I intentionally have to create private play time with her. We call it special mommy time. My kids don’t necessary need an activity every second, they need me to “be” in their world of play.

Then I’ve noticed that many of us are not doing ok with this “social distancing” lifestyle and my mind has been racing. We are called to be in community with people. We are called to impact people and we are called to serve people.

During this challenging time of “being” and many even being on an emotional rollercoaster I challenge you to trust in the little things to work through this time.

Be STILL, Just Be and slow down.

Being still is challenging for me. I am always on the go and I really enjoy being productive, active and impactful. I have a hard time seeing the productive and impactful side while “being” at home with my kids. Especially because mine are so young I feel like I’m a restaurant and professional pee and poop cleaner. If I’m not wiping butts or cleaning up pee off the ground, I’m feeding someone and not always myself. LOL My food usually has bites here and there from me walking by unless I’m intentional with just “being” and deciding to sit down and not get up. Focus on just “being” without having to be stressed about a super structured minute by minute day. Routine and structure does help but if it’s making you stressed out and overwhelmed we don’t need anymore of that right now. By slowing down, I’m able to practice gratitude more and appreciate these little human beings who rely on me to “keep them alive” as my friend calls it!

One thing I do every day to get re-grounded is 1 hour of quiet time in my house. For my small boys it’s nap time. My daughter has 1 hour of quiet time in a separate room doing something quiet. It keeps structure and most importantly resets our mind and bodies to conquer the rest of the day. Mindfulness is important to keep grounded and I get it by being protective of that time during my day. Rest time is biblical and I’m all about it! Do something that gets you restored: sleep, read, journal, work out, sleep on a beanbag with your garage open like me below! LOL

Find Something to Feel Normal or at least “good”

So I’m not the “park mom” or the “go on a walk with my kids mom.” I feel like it’s more work to get OUT of the house for a simple walk that it’s worth… however, today I decided to just go outside for a later night walk before the kids went to bed and it was gorgeous weather. I just needed to get out and look to the sky and see God’s creation telling me “he’s got this.” I just happen to take this sweet photo of my baby and I both looking at the sky at sunset.

And seeing my little ones in their new “tricycle trailer” is definitely precious even if it takes twice as long as it should to go around the block because they want to go up everyone’s “big driveway.” So go and appreciate something as small as a walk with your kids and look to the heavens with gratitude.

Or even better, do your hair and make up EVEN if your only going to the fridge and couch today! Or maybe do a facial mask and video chat with your friends. This is something I have done a lot more of. It’s interesting. I don’t know why I don’t do it more often. I assume because I feel connected normally without it but because the only people I am seeing is my little babies I feel a deeper connection for my friends and family. The small things can make a difference. So go Face Time a friend, do your nails or make up or go outside and look to the heavens with gratitude.

Music!

Music is so powerful. Go turn on some worship songs or good ol’ country music and dance with your kids and sing loud! Some of my favorite songs to encourage, uplift and get positive are I Hope You Dance, Anything Eric Church, Hillsong Worship, Bethel Worship, Jesus Culture, This is Me from The Greatest Showman, Tim McGraw. I also just love to blast ol’ school songs to get back to the heart of what I love and who I am… (New Kids on the Block Debbie Gibson, Guns N Roses) I love music and how it heals, moves and inspires, Blast your Alexa and create an atmosphere of fun in your house.

Be Intentional

All those days you say “you don’t have time for something” well THIS is the time to make those things happen! I am finding much more time in my day even with 3 little kids to do things I don’t normally get done. And you know what… I”m really feeling accomplished and it’s helping me feel like there is light. If you feel like you need to get out, go for a run or walk! If you need a friend to be with, video call each other and check in. If you want to feel your best, move your body and make yourself a good meal or just take a shower for the day and blow-dry your hair. It’s the little things that are going to help you get through the tough times.

Would love to know what your strategies are to get you through this time of isolation and “social distancing.”

Always remember, there is hope out there if you are lonely, afraid or depressed. Everything is temporary and there is a time for everything

Love yourself hard and those you are seeing in your house everyday. But also sister.. GIVE yourself GRACE!! #lotsofgrace