Every morning begins with a hopeful agenda, aiming to conquer my extensive to-do list. Yet, as the sun sets, I find myself drained and reflecting on the tasks left unfinished. Regardless of my enthusiasm or determination, the hours in a day seem perpetually insufficient, and the to-do list expands endlessly.
While scrolling through the internet (oh, the irony of finding this out during my downtime), I often encounter self-proclaimed “experts” proclaiming that if I have time to scroll through social media, snack, or engage in a leisurely break, then I surely have time to exercise, meditate, or enhance my life in some way. Their rallying cry is “no excuses,” as they flaunt their sculpted bodies after multiple childbirths, balancing college degrees with demanding jobs, and running side businesses, all while maintaining a polished appearance daily. If they can manage it, why can’t everyone else? After all, we all share the same 24 hours as the illustrious Beyoncé!
Theoretically, I could occupy every moment of my day with productivity, and I might achieve more. However, this raises the question: where does my desire to simply “do what I please” fit into this framework? Where do moments of relaxation rank on the productivity scale?
Technically, I might possess the time. However, time alone does not suffice. Think of it as baking; merely having flour and sugar doesn’t lead to a cake. Other essential ingredients include motivation and passion. You must genuinely want to engage in the activities you occupy your time with and derive some pleasure from them. After a day filled with obligations, I’m likely to prioritize “wasting” some moments indulging in what brings me joy rather than what I feel obligated to do—even if that means doing absolutely nothing.
There’s a reason many people make excuses for not pursuing these so-called productive activities: they are often challenging. Achieving remarkable results demands consistent effort, and sometimes, with the weight of our individual life circumstances, we simply lack the energy to commit. It’s not merely about the hours available; it’s about managing the exhausting tasks we already juggle and the fear that attempting one more difficult endeavor could harm our mental well-being more than not trying at all.
Sometimes, the motivation from others, no matter how positive their intentions, can feel discouraging instead. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, as if I am squandering my resources and failing overall. That’s not helpful. My mental health and emotional stability are crucial not only to me but also to those around me—my family, who depend on me. If maintaining those aspects means foregoing hours at the gym or dedicating every evening to a side business, then so be it. “Mom guilt” already looms heavily; I don’t need more voices echoing that I would have ample time for personal growth if I weren’t so indifferent.
Even if I did manage to engage in those activities, I would likely find something else to overshadow any sense of achievement: the time I devoted to working out could have been spent reading to my children, or I might berate myself for wasting an hour when I should be cleaning the long-neglected kitchen floor. If guilt is inevitable, whether I’m browsing social media or focusing on fitness, I know which activity I’d prefer to engage in.
I’m not suggesting I’d never dedicate time to achieving extraordinary results in specific areas of my life. However, it needs to be something personally significant to me—not simply a suggestion from someone else who insists I should prioritize it because they did.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
For those exploring the journey of home insemination, you might find valuable insights in our post on the Home Insemination Kit. Additionally, BabyMaker offers authoritative guidance on the subject. For a broader understanding of the topic, you can refer to this Wikipedia article, which provides excellent information on artificial insemination.
In summary, mothers deserve the freedom to choose how they spend their time without judgment. Balancing obligations and personal satisfaction is essential for mental health and overall well-being.
Keyphrase: Stop Dictating How Mothers Should Spend Their Time
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