As you know, last week was just plain awful. I was so sick it hurts to THINK about it. I still can’t breathe out of my nose, but I’m grateful to be able to sit here without WRITHING from the PAIN OH THE PAIN! BLURFF!

Yes, last week was just plain awful. But, it was a blessing. Because I learned A TON.

See, because I had NO ENERGY WHATSOEVER, and because it HURT TO BREATHE, everything I had to do with the kids was the equivalent of running a marathon. So, I was forced to notice a bunch of things.

Biggest thing I noticed was that MY CHILDREN ARE DRAGGING ME IN THE DIRT DAY IN AND DAY OUT. I think of it kind of like being drawn and quartered. You know, that horrific method of torture from my favourite time period? One is pulling me — literally PULLING ME — one way, and the other is pulling me the other way. I ART RIPPETH APARTETH from it!

AT THE SAME TIME, my MIND is pulling me in so many directions: the biz, the friends, the blogs, the emails, the groceries, the cooking…….. Blaaaaahhhhh! It’s INSANE, Gorgeouses! It’s all so INSANE!

WELL. Last week put things ALL into perspective. Which leads me to think that it was not only a physically- but, very much, an emotionally-driven sickness. I was just EXHAUSTED on all levels. COMPLETELY run down. And, I realized it….


Remember her?

And, over the weekend, I announced it…: “Things have got to change,” I told Josh, “Or, I’m going back to work or something because I’m not happy AT ALL. Taking care of two little monkeys all day every day is just too much for me. I’m drained to the max. I’ve had it. It’s not working. Things have got to change.”

Since then, I sat down. I thought. I thought quickly. And, then I acted.

“PICK ME UUUUUP!” the monkey ordered.

“Ask Mama NICELY, Monkey,” I responded. “I want to have a good day, too, and being ordered around is not fun for anyone. So, ‘CAN YOU PLEASE PICK ME UP, MOMMY?’ is how you ask, okay, Monkey?”

“Can you please pick me up, MOMA?”

“No. Let’s hold hands. We’re almost there.”

Next.

“Go to bed, Monkey.”

“I stay with you, Moma!”

“No. I am the Mommy, and you listen to your Mommy.” (BEST. LINE. EVER. USE IT! Works like a charm!) “It’s time for bed.”

And, so on.

As for the Rascal…. Rascal is now on scheduled naps no matter how much he protests. And, you know what? He’s SO much better off. He is the ANGEL baby I always knew he was. Sweet sweet sweet.

Aside from FINALLY taking charge of my children and assuming my role as THE BOSS — and making it known — I’ve been focusing on BEING PRESENT.

When I’m with the kids, for example, I’m WITH THE KIDS: there is no email, no blogging, no NOTHING, no even THINKING about it. I am with them. They are the focus and priority. I let them know when it’s time for Mommy to work.


Monkey playing with the “BIANCA.” Heh…! And, loving it. Everyone is happier when Mommy is in control….

When the Rascal is napping, Monkey is to do her own independent activity (we’re still working on that), and Mommy is FOCUSED working. Today, for example, I did my before and after photos for this new CONTEST I’m working on (coming SOON), and then I caught up on a few of my HUNDREDS of unanswered emails……..

So, basically, instead of wearing all my hats all the time and feeling like I’m being pulled in so many directions at one time — physically and emotionally by the monkeys and by all my other responsibilities, passions, work, etc.. — I’ve consciously decided to BE MORE CONSCIOUS, to be more PRESENT in everything that I do. When I’m with the kids, I’m WITH the kids. When I’m blogging, I’m blogging, and not checking email or reading other blogs or stopping to do dishes.

And, hey, let me tell you something, Gorj: the more IN CONTROL I am of these days of mine, the more in control I am of my diet. I’ve been eating so clean it’s crazy. And, I feel great. AND, after 2 pregnancies, I finally got back up in the headstand…! The monkey and I worked on it today, and (in the words of Ni Hao Kai Lan) “I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID DID DID!”

Look how in control I am…. It’s 5pm (in this pic) and they are PLAYING TOGETHER, while I TALK ON THE PHONE…WITH A FRIEND. A FRIEND!

And, did you notice? Yoga at home during the day? We practiced together, Monkey and I. “Here’s a pillow for your head, Moma. Be careful!”

Yes. It’s all under control now that I’ve FINALLY realized, hey, I’M THE MOMMY! Every day should be great now that I’M IN CHARGE! MWAHAHAHA!!! No, seriously….

[30] Comments