As a mostly stay-at-home mom of two toddlers who also operates a private practice, I know worn-out. I recently saw a TikTok from another work-from-home/stay-at-home mom who talked about how difficult it is sometimes to have the best of both worlds and in the comments section another mom posted, “it’s the best of both hells.” I had to laugh because I understand the struggle.
I love staying home with my kids but I also love my in-office days and the peace it gives me. My office is clean, minimalistic, quiet, organized and everything is right where I left it. My home is often the exact opposite. Even when it’s clean it’s not as clean as I want it to be. Even when it’s quiet it’s only quiet for a moment. There are toys and children’s books everywhere. And nothing is where I left it.
It is a privilege to stay at home, though. Not many moms can say that got to stay home a little later than planned to help their toddler learn to walk in shoes. I’ve seen every first of both my kids and a lot of parents can’t say that. Their attachment to me is strong and secure and I get to watch them grow and discover new things everyday. Because I get to stay at home I not only save money, but I’ve noticed the benefits it has on my kids.
But it’s an exhausting job and at the end of it I typically end my day with a couple of therapy sessions.
Between taking care of the kids and going into therapy sessions for the night I spend time with my husband. And sometimes after the sessions I spend more time with my husband.
I spend my entire day being needed by others and sometimes I want no one to need me. It’s a privilege to complain about because some people want this exhausting life and try very hard to obtain it. But like I tell my clients, just because something is a blessing doesn’t make it easy.
Being a mom isn’t easy. Being a wife isn’t easy. Being a therapist isn’t easy. But they are all privileges and blessings.
Today, I was reading Matthew Chapter 14:13-14
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
This occurred after Jesus heard about the beheading of John the Baptist. Jesus was grieving and withdrew to be alone. He had a moment of peace and then he continued, moved by compassion, to heal the sick.
When I was younger I would read the Gospels fascinated with the miracles. Now that I’m a mom I read the Gospels fascinated by the fact that Jesus was a human being – at times grieving, at times exhausted, at times angry, at times sad and moved to tears.
And what I find especially fascinating now is that even he took time to be alone when he needed to be. This is why I harp on self-care for my clients. They probably get tired of me holding them accountable to it, but it’s so important.
And if Jesus himself needed time to be alone in-between the miracles, then we definitely need time to be alone. I’m not perfect at it, but I take it day-by-day and so can you.
So now, exhale, mama. Be at peace.
Exhale, Mama 
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