I should be doing something because I am "super-mom"

The constant thought that unless you are doing something you are a failure.

This week’s inspiration came from a moment that happened just yesterday in my house.

It was Sunday, late afternoon. My daughter had just fallen asleep in my lap after an epic meltdown clearly instigated by the change in her sleep schedule the last few days. We had just returned from a couple of days out of town and my to do list was a mile long (unpack, laundry, make dinner, prep for next day, go through mail, baths, grocery order, etc……). My head was reeling from a strong feeling of being overwhelmed. My brain started to think about what I could get done off my to do list with Reya asleep in my lap when suddenly I caught myself and remembered what I had been learning about mindfulness.

I took a deep breath and let go of my to do list and just embraced the moment of having my toddler sleep in my lap.

I remembered that I often nostalgically missed the days that my son would sleep in my lap and wished I could experience those moments again.

So, I consciously turned my brain away from my to do list and just let the moment wash over me and I felt JOY and CONTENTMENT.

I think this a good reminder for all parents and teachers! We all have a constant to do list, things that need to get done. We need to spray down tables, restock supplies, update paperwork, check our email, organize children’s artwork, sanitize toys, etc….. But we all need to remember that it is OK to stop and NOT doing ANYTHING once in a while. It is ok to let go of that feeling of “I should be doing something, I should be productive” and just enjoy the moment, especially during those moments where everything seems to be going exactly right! Those moments where children are happily engaged in play and they are all getting along without us having to referee. When need to take those moments and breathe them in because we know that chaos can happen at a second’s notice.

Letting go of the “I should be doing something” attitude will help your job and your classroom or home feel more JOYFUL on a regular basis and it will help sustain you through those challenging moments.

How to stay in the moment:

Recognize the joy that is happening

Decide to forget about everything else for the moment

Take a deep breath

Watch what is happening

Let the good feelings in

When those sneaky thoughts try to come back in (and they will) PUSH them AWAY. This might take some practice but you can do it!

Focus on what the kids are doing (narrate in your head if you have to)

Eventually you will get better at “staying in the moment” and it will start to become a habit

And then…. Just BE and smile!