Anyone one else feel like the mom guilt kicks into overdrive when the alarm clock goes off on Monday mornings? I sure do! Mondays seem extra hard because my husband goes back to work, my daughter is at school, my baby is in daycare and, because of my ministry schedule, we do not get to have family dinner and I do not get to put Camden to bed. Now, do not get me wrong, I am incredibly thankful for my family members who have stepped up to help with Cam’s bed time so that we do not have a cranky baby all week, but it is still SO hard.
In order to fight against the mom-guilt that is inevitable (for me at least) I have come up with a check list of things (type-A personality, y’all) that helps decrease the flood of emotions that comes with a Monday morning alarm clock.
- Guard the weekends. Saturdays and Sundays are sacred in our home. Sure, there are the occasional Saturday events and church on Sunday- which for me is a work day- but the rest of the time is spent filled with activities that encourage our souls and each other. Saturday morning breakfasts, Sunday afternoon snuggles and Sunday night games are a must in our home. These things do not negate the fact that Monday is coming, but they make it a little easier knowing that I invested in my family over the weekend.
- Snooze a little longer. I realize that not all of you have the luxury of setting your work schedules, but thankfully I can adjust mine a little bit. I have taken a little extra time on Mondays so that I can bring Charity to school and play with Camden before the week kicks into full-gear. Having family close by is the greatest gift ever because Mondays often mean coffee or breakfast with my mom which is always an encouragement to my heart.
- Do your favorite things. Do you have the ability to set which tasks you do on which days? If so, what are your favorite parts of your job? Do those on Monday! For me, this means sending encouraging messages to leaders, schedule one-on-ones with students, and planning out my semesters of ministry (type-A, remember?). By doing the things that both give me life and encourage others, Mondays become a bit less guilt-ridden.
- Show up. Don’t roll out of bed with day 5 hair, baggy jeans and your husband’s t-shirt. Although that may be my favorite ensemble for Saturdays, that’s not going to cut it for a thriving start to your week. As Rachel Hollis would say, Girl, Wash Your Face! But for real, get up, shower, do your hair and make up, wear your favorite outfit and pour your coffee in your favorite mug. Put on the music that lifts your soul and get going! The only thing worse than Mondays are dreading Mondays. So get up, dress up and show up!
These tricks may not all work for you, but I challenge you today to make a list of things that will! What will get you excited to jump out of bed on a Monday? What will kick-start your productivity for the week? What will change the way you perceive Mondays so that you cannot just survive them but thrive in them? Now go do those things!
You’ve got this mama <3