Updated: September 9, 2023
Originally Published: September 8, 2023
As August winds down, I find myself eagerly anticipating September. It’s time to stock up on essentials like underwear and socks for the kids and distribute their No. 2 pencils! Inside, I’m doing a little happy dance at the thought of what September brings. It marks the end of Summer Mom Camp, and I can finally envision the possibilities ahead.
I start dreaming about the organization projects I’ll tackle, imagining the clutter on my desk disappearing to reveal my keyboard. I plan to create photo books from the last five years of memories, reclaim my fitness, and clean out the summer mess in my minivan. I envision making a quilt from my kids’ old clothes, volunteering at their school, signing up to substitute teach, and perhaps even helping at a local soup kitchen. I will be (insert jazz hands here) fantastic!
Yet, I’m aware that part of this ambition stems from a lingering voice of my past self, who believed that being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) was a step back from a career. She had no clue about the realities of motherhood. In my mind, I aim to be the Superlative Mom, and my vision of September is filled with boundless, productive hours.
However, reality often takes a different turn. Between cleaning up the kitchen, jogging around the block, doing laundry, rushing to Target for project supplies, and preparing dinner, the day slips away, and before I know it, it’s time to fetch the kids. October arrives, and I realize I’ve accomplished little of what I set out to do.
This disappointment in myself is familiar. September feels like a fresh start, akin to New Year’s Day for parents and educators, and each year, I attach lofty expectations to it. When my youngest started kindergarten last year, I ambitiously resolved to run a marathon, write a book, and declutter every closet in the house. At the time, these goals seemed entirely achievable.
Now, twelve months later, only three closets have been tackled, and they’re already messy again. There’s no marathon trophy on display, no book gracing my shelf with my name on it, and it feels like there’s hardly any trace of my efforts.
So here’s the reality: It’s time to let it go. The likelihood of completing books, marathons, volunteering, and pursuing personal growth is slim—perhaps only one at a time. And that’s okay because, as a SAHM, you have a full-time job without pay. There are still mountains of laundry, dishes to wash, homework to review, and minivans to drive.
Before you create that ambitious list of September goals, consider these more manageable resolutions:
- Take a moment to breathe deeply; you’ve earned it.
- Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small—whether it’s a load of laundry or dinner in the crockpot. You’re doing great!
- Take a brief moment to reconnect with yourself; you might find your soul next to the washing machine.
- Remind yourself that the version of you from the past had no idea what was to come.
- Practice patience—this phase of raising kids will pass quickly, and soon enough, you’ll have time for other pursuits.
- Remember, you are enough, just as you are.
For further insights on family planning and fertility, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility from ACOG. And if you’re looking for assistance with your journey into parenthood, consider exploring options like the home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo or the fertility booster for men for additional support.
In conclusion, embrace this September with a lighter heart, letting go of unrealistic expectations. Focus on what truly matters: your well-being and the joy of motherhood.
Keyphrase: A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Practical September Goals
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