Finding Balance:
- Erin Gore
- May 16, 2024
- 4 min read
My Journey as a Middle-Aged Mom in California
Hey there, fellow moms!
If there's one thing I've learned on this journey of motherhood, it's that finding balance is a constant work in progress. As a middle-aged mom living in California, I know firsthand the challenges of juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. From parenting and careers to household management and caregiving for aging parents, our plates are often overflowing with competing demands that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
I'll be the first to admit that there have been times when I've felt like I'm spinning plates, trying to keep everything in motion without letting anything drop.
Just this past week, I struggled with balancing a sick child at home, my husband and I both having multiple work meetings outside our home, and trying to get the daily tasks of life done throughout all of it. I will be the first to admit, the laundry pile has suffered the most! But I can get to that this weekend!
But as I go through those weeks where life is hectic, I’ve found a few strategies that have helped me navigate this juggling act with greater ease and grace.
First and foremost, I've learned the importance of prioritizing and delegating tasks. As much as I'd love to do it all, the reality is that I can't—and that's okay. I've had to get comfortable with saying no to non-essential commitments and enlisting the help of my family and friends when I am feeling like I am drowning. My kids are finally at the age where we can have them help around the house too, which has been a big relief and godsend. They want to help and by delegating tasks to them, not only does it lighten my load but also gives them the opportunity to contribute and feel valued.
Another lesson I've learned is to embrace imperfection. As middle-aged moms, we often put pressure on ourselves to excel in every area of our lives. But striving for perfection is not only exhausting but also unattainable. Instead, I've learned to embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion.
Yesterday was a prime example. I have been on a weight loss journey since January and embraced Zepbound to find the love of me again that's been hiding for over a decade. Unfortunately at the beginning of April, the medication was in a nation-wide shortage, and I had to switch meds to ones that just didn't work as well. Thankfully this week I was able to find Zepbound and restart my journey Tuesday night. However, being off the meds for six weeks caused my body to revolt a bit yesterday morning. I tried to get ready for the day in the morning and my husband went to the office as he usually does. However, about 20 minutes after he left, I had to call him and ask him to come home because I wasn’t feeling well and knew I shouldn't be driving our kids to school. I should have listened to my body at first, but there was so much that I thought I needed to do, I tried to push forward and ignore the pain that was being felt. In the end, I realized that it's okay to make mistakes and that taking care of myself is just as important as taking care of others. So after he got home, I went back to bed and let my body rest and recover. Today is a new day and I can catch up with work. Always remember to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.
Carving out "me" time has also been essential for maintaining my sanity amidst the chaos of daily life. Whether it's taking a leisurely walk, indulging in a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, I make it a point to prioritize self-care each day.
One of the ways I have found “me” time is by having a monthly membership to Massage Envy. The first Monday of the month, I go in for my massage with my favorite masseuse. The massage brings a sense of peace to my body that I can then go out into the world and give my best self for the month. I've found that by investing in myself, I'm better equipped to handle the demands of motherhood with patience and grace.
Lastly, fostering supportive relationships has been crucial for me on this journey. Surrounding myself with other moms who understand my struggles and can offer encouragement and advice has been incredibly uplifting. My girls are my everything! Whether we talk through in-person meetups, online communities, or support groups, having a tribe of like-minded women by my side has made all the difference.
So, to all my fellow middle-aged moms out there, I want you to know that you're not alone. Balancing multiple responsibilities in California—or anywhere else—is no easy feat, but it's also not impossible. By prioritizing and delegating tasks, embracing imperfection, carving out "me" time, and fostering supportive relationships, we can find greater balance and fulfillment in our lives.
Together, let's embrace the beautiful chaos of midlife motherhood and navigate this journey with grace and resilience. We've got this!
With love, light, and boundless gratitude,
Erin 🌟✨
🏖️ Follow my daily adventures on Instagram 🌊
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