Hey there, Me from Four Years Ago,
I’ve got to say, you’re looking a bit glazed over. Yet, there’s a smoldering anger just beneath that exhausted facade.
Yep, I see it—the frustration bubbling up every time your toddler has an accident just moments after you’ve urged him to use the potty. Juggling a two-year-old and a newborn? What a circus that is! Potty training while nursing? Truly a test of your sanity.
And returning from work? A real treat. Both kids are cranky from daycare, and they’re all up in your space, making it impossible to prepare a meal without someone getting burned or tripping over a toy.
Ah, those were the days of feeling so needed you could explode. You can’t even sneak away to the bathroom without a cheering squad, and sleep? Forget about it.
I remember those moments well. And that “cute” haircut you think you have? It’s really just a wild mess from not having time to style it since 2012. Those dark, stretchy clothes? Perfect for hiding all the spills and messes but not a hint of joy.
Oh, come on! Don’t be ridiculous! You look… fine. Just as fine as you’ll continue to feel for another couple of years.
Sure, you love your kids—so much that sentimental tears flow over the smallest achievements. They’re adorable and full of love, but you’re also just plain mad. Mad that you’re never alone, that you work full-time just to cover daycare costs, and that your patience wears thinner than you’d like to admit.
The older one sneaks into your bed at night, and the baby’s bouncy seat has become a permanent fixture in the bathroom just so he won’t wail while you take a moment for yourself. Pumping in the car, washing pump parts late at night—yep, that’s your life. And that “sour hour” is the only real time you get with the kids during the week. It’s exhausting, and you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water.
Believe me, I know. It wasn’t that long ago. And yes, you’re angry. Or maybe you’re just too worn out to admit it. But you have a lot going on, and it’s probably best to stay focused right now.
But here’s the good news: in about four years, you’ll look back and realize just how angry you were because suddenly, that rage will dissipate. It’s incredible!
Of course, it doesn’t change overnight. You’ll go through a transformative phase where you realize that working isn’t fulfilling, so you take the plunge and stay home with the kids full-time.
Some days, it’s a total nightmare, but it’s also so worth it. Before long, one will be in first grade, while the other is off to half-day preschool, and you’ll be easing back into work, one client at a time.
And guess what? They sleep through the night—almost every night. Sure, there’ll be the occasional full moon or sick day, but for the most part, you’ll reclaim your sleep. Sometimes, you might even snooze until 8:00 on weekends if the kids are glued to the iPad.
Oh, and they talk—loudly! But they also play together, watch movies, and enjoy safe adventures in the front yard. Sure, you’ll have to step in when chaos reigns, like when one decides to ride a chair down the driveway, but you also get to squeeze in workouts while they hang out with their dad without causing a ruckus.
You’ll start to feel good about your time away from them, knowing they’re making friends at school and enjoying the company of babysitters you trust.
The fog will lift, and you’ll gradually reclaim those precious moments of freedom that feel like a luxurious treat compared to the overwhelming days of the past.
You’ll feel… good again. And the best part? You’ll recognize just how angry you were because you simply won’t be anymore.
So, take heart, Me from Four Years Ago. Life will never be the same, but where you’ll be in four years is a whole lot better than your current chaos.
Hang in there! We’ll meet again soon.
But for now, I’ve got to run. The future me is blowing up my phone—something about navigating through puberty? I guess I should cherish this age while it lasts.
You too, old friend.