She’s finally asleep. After a long day of naps, changing diapers, smiles and slobbery kisses, my second job starts. I pull out my binders, textbooks, my planner and laptop and begin switching my mindset to academia. Blah. I would much rather sit on the couch with a glass of wine with my husband and watch Fixer Upper and talk about how much I love Joanna Gaines, but no, instead I must read about dense business topics that hurt my brain (sorry for the whiny attitude).
I knew that going back to school after having a baby and taking 2 semesters off would be hard, but I didn’t realize how truly draining it would be. I don’t mean to be whiny about my situation, but I have never had to multitask so much in my life. Yes, I know this is only a season of life, and it won’t last forever, but sheesh it’s a lot.
Now that I have my poor me attitude out of the way, I can truthfully say that this new season has offered me a chance to reflect on where I have been, and that is the only thing pushing me towards finishing this journey. As I reflect over last 8 years that I have been in and out of school, the amazing professional opportunities I have had, and the many adventure I have experienced with my husband, it’s amazing to realize they have all led me to this point. Although being in class with immature 20-year-olds, who literally all they talk about is drinking beer, is the last place I want to be; the classroom setting gives me a chance to shine and remind me that I have a lot to offer. As I sit and listen to my professor talk about projects we will take on, all I can think is, “whoa, that’s like the market research project I just did for this company.” As my professor talks about objectives for the class and expectations he has for the semester, I can sit back and nod my head with confidence knowing that I have lived those objectives in real life and can offer my insight to my fellow classmates (whether they choose to listen to me or not). These moments of reflection allow me to see that everything in my life has brought me to this season right now and have equipped me to be successful through the challenge.
When I got married 5 years ago, and moved away from my hometown I had lived in for 20 years, I was sure I wasn't going to survive the transition. Or, when Alex and I made a crazy decision to pack up our stuff and hit the road for year of traveling, I was sure we were making a mistake. Or, the day we brought our precious daughter home, I was sure that it would be too much to handle. But guess what, although it was hard, I knew I could withstand the journey in front of me because of the path that was already behind me. Each of those experiences prepared me for the next challenge and adventure ahead, and that brings me to present day: a wife, a mom and a student!
Isn’t this how life is though? We never feel prepared for the next challenge ahead of us and are overwhelmed at the thought of taking on one more thing, but once you're in it you realize you are fully equipped because of the lessons, hardships and victories you have already experienced. This gives me a great sense of peace. Although somdays I just want to say “forget, I’m done” and throw in the towel, I must remember that even this difficult season is part of my greater story. And more than that, everything I am pushing towards achieving is to not only to show myself that I am capable but to show my little munchkin of sweetheart that if you push through, you will be victorious!
So, whether you’re a SAHM going back to school, a mama trying to figure out breastfeeding, or a mom who just dropped your kid off at daycare for the first time, find courage in knowing that all of your adventures in life have led you to this point. You are equipped to handle the hurdles, stress, and many tasks in front of you, because let’s face it, as moms we are truly the champions of multitasking! Know that you are strong, capable and amazing for taking on the challenges in front of you!
Abby is a Mom and an amazing team member of Baja Baby. She lives in Colorado with her husband Alex, their beautiful daughter Amelia Grace, baby boy Amos Lee and Maple the dog. You can find Abby on Instagram by clicking here.
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