Hey guys.
I wasn't able to create a vlog last week for you all, because let me tell you: Life is LIFEing right now. I do want to take a moment to talk to my moms that overworked, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it's also one of the most challenging. As much as you love your children, there are times when you can feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Between managing schedules, meals, chores, and everything else that comes with motherhood, it's easy to feel like you're caught in a never-ending cycle of chaos. The good news is that you're not alone. Every mom has felt this way at some point, and it's important to remember that you have the strength to get through it. This post is all about finding that strength within yourself and learning how to cope with the chaos of motherhood. From self-care tips to time management strategies, we'll explore a variety of ways to help you feel empowered and uplifted when you're feeling overwhelmed. So if you're a mom who needs a little encouragement and support, keep reading! 1. The reality of being an overwhelmed mom Being a mom is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also be overwhelming at times. The reality of being an overwhelmed mom is something that many women can relate to. From the moment you wake up until the time you finally get a moment to yourself, the demands and responsibilities seem never-ending. The constant juggling act of taking care of the kids, managing the household, and possibly even working outside of the home can leave any mom feeling drained and stretched thin. It's during these moments of chaos that it's important to remember that you are not alone. Countless other moms have experienced the same overwhelming feelings and have come out stronger on the other side. It's okay to admit that being a mom is hard and that you sometimes feel overwhelmed. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards finding the strength to navigate through the chaos. Remember, you are doing an incredible job, even on the days when it feels like everything is falling apart. Take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and know that you have the resilience and inner strength to overcome any challenge that comes your way. 2. Acknowledging and accepting your feelings As a mom, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and sometimes even defeated. The pressures of balancing work, household responsibilities, and taking care of your children can often feel like an uphill battle. In those moments, it's important to acknowledge and accept your feelings. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. It doesn't make you any less of a good mom. The constant juggling act can take its toll on anyone, and it's important to give yourself permission to feel the weight of it all. Allow yourself to have those moments of frustration, sadness, or even anger. Letting these emotions surface is a healthy way of releasing the pent-up stress that comes with being a mom. Accepting your feelings is an essential step towards finding strength in the chaos. Instead of suppressing or ignoring your emotions, embrace them with compassion and understanding. Recognize that it's alright to have moments of vulnerability and that it doesn't make you weak. It makes you human. By acknowledging and accepting your feelings, you are giving yourself the opportunity to process and work through them. It allows you to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your overwhelm. Whether it's seeking support from a partner, talking to a friend, or seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor, remember that you don't have to face it all alone. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Countless moms out there are experiencing similar emotions and challenges. Reach out to your support network, join online communities of like-minded moms, and share your struggles and victories. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly empowering and reassuring. So, mama, take a deep breath, acknowledge and accept your feelings, and know that you are doing an incredible job. Embrace the chaos, find strength within it, and remember to prioritize self-care and self-compassion. You've got this! 3. Understanding that you are not alone As a mom, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated, especially when the chaos of daily life seems to be never-ending. But here's a reassuring truth: you are not alone in this journey. Countless other moms have experienced the same emotions, faced similar challenges, and questioned their abilities along the way. It's important to remember that motherhood is a shared experience. From the early sleepless nights to the tantrums and the endless laundry, there are countless other moms who have gone through it all. They have felt the weight of responsibility, the doubts, and the moments of sheer exhaustion. They have also experienced the indescribable joy, the unconditional love, and the overwhelming pride that comes with being a mom. Connecting with other moms who understand what you're going through can provide a tremendous sense of comfort and support. Seek out mom groups in your community or online platforms where you can share your experiences, ask for advice, and simply vent about the challenges you're facing. You'll quickly realize that there are others who can relate, offer empathy, and provide valuable insights. Additionally, it's important to remember that even though it may feel like you're the only one struggling, every mom has her own moments of doubt and insecurity. Behind the seemingly perfect Instagram photos or the well-put-together moms you see at school drop-offs, there are stories of messy houses, missed deadlines, and days filled with both tears and laughter. By embracing the fact that you are not alone, you can find strength in knowing that you are part of a community of resilient and courageous moms who are navigating the same uncertainties and triumphs. Share your victories and challenges, offer support to fellow moms, and lean on others when you need it most. Remember, you are not alone in this beautiful, chaotic journey of motherhood. Together, we can find the strength to navigate the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and cherish the extraordinary moments that make it all worthwhile. 4. The importance of self-care for overwhelmed moms As a mom, it's natural to put the needs of your family before your own. However, in the midst of the chaos and demands of motherhood, it is crucial to prioritize self-care. Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act, but rather an essential component of being a strong and resilient mom. Self-care looks different for every mom, as it should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to do something that brings you joy, whether it's reading a book, practicing yoga, or indulging in a hot bath. It's about carving out time for yourself, even if it means asking for help or delegating tasks to others. When you make self-care a priority, you are nourishing your mind, body, and spirit, which in turn allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for your family. It enables you to recharge and refuel, so you have the energy and patience to tackle the challenges that motherhood throws your way. Self-care is not just about taking time for yourself; it's also about setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. As a mom, it's easy to overcommit and stretch yourself thin, but remember that it's okay to prioritize your well-being and say no to things that don't align with your needs or values. By practicing self-care, you are not only benefiting yourself but also setting a powerful example for your children. They learn the importance of self-love, boundaries, and how to prioritize their own well-being as they observe you taking care of yourself. So, overwhelmed moms, remember that you deserve self-care. Embrace it as a vital part of your journey and give yourself permission to nurture your own needs. In doing so, you will find the strength and resilience to navigate the chaos of motherhood with grace and love. 5. Seeking support from your partner, family, and friends Being a mom is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also be overwhelming at times. As you navigate through the chaos of motherhood, it's important to remember that you don't have to do it all alone. Seeking support from your partner, family, and friends can make a world of difference in helping you find strength and regain balance in your life. Your partner is your teammate in this journey, so don't hesitate to lean on them for support. Communicate your needs and concerns openly, and work together to find solutions. Whether it's sharing household chores, taking turns with childcare responsibilities, or simply providing a listening ear, having your partner by your side can ease the burden and help you navigate through the challenges of motherhood. Family members can also play a vital role in supporting overwhelmed moms. Reach out to grandparents, siblings, or other relatives who may be willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it's babysitting, running errands, or simply offering words of encouragement, their support can provide much-needed relief and give you the opportunity to take a break and recharge. Friends can be a lifeline during overwhelming times. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends who understand the joys and struggles of motherhood. Lean on them for advice, venting sessions, or even just a fun outing to take your mind off things. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and having friends who can relate to your experiences can be incredibly comforting. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Sometimes, the overwhelm can be too much to handle on your own, and that's okay. Reach out to therapists, counselors, or support groups specifically tailored for moms. These professionals can provide guidance, tools, and techniques to help you manage stress, anxiety, and any other challenges you may be facing. Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to acknowledge when you need help and to reach out for support. By surrounding yourself with a loving and supportive network, you'll find the strength to overcome the chaos and embrace the joys of motherhood with renewed energy and resilience. 6. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfection In a society that constantly bombards us with images of flawless mothers effortlessly juggling work, family, and personal life, it's easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism. We strive to be the perfect mom who has it all together, always looking put-together, serving up Pinterest-worthy meals, and managing a spotless home. But let's be honest, striving for perfection is not only unrealistic, but it's also exhausting and can lead to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy. It's time to let go of the pressure to be perfect and instead embrace imperfection. Embracing imperfection doesn't mean settling for mediocrity; it means accepting that life is messy, and that's okay. It means giving ourselves permission to make mistakes, to have bad days, and to not have everything figured out. When we let go of perfectionism, we create space for ourselves to breathe and to truly enjoy the journey of motherhood. We can focus on what truly matters – the love and connection we have with our children, the memories we create, and the lessons we teach them along the way. It's about finding joy in the small victories, whether it's a successful family outing, a heartfelt conversation with your child, or simply taking a moment for self-care. By embracing imperfection, we also set a powerful example for our children. They learn that it's okay to make mistakes and that resilience and growth come from embracing challenges rather than fearing failure. We teach them the importance of self-compassion and self-care, showing them that it's okay to prioritize their own well-being. So, let go of the need to be perfect. Embrace imperfection and find strength in the chaos. Remember, you are doing an amazing job, and your love and presence in your children's lives are what truly matters. Embrace the messy, beautiful journey of motherhood, and give yourself the grace and compassion you deserve. 7. Developing a routine and setting realistic expectations Developing a routine and setting realistic expectations can be a game-changer for overwhelmed moms. In the chaos of daily life, it's easy to feel like we're constantly running on a hamster wheel, trying to keep up with the never-ending demands of motherhood. However, by establishing a structured routine, we can bring a sense of order and predictability to our days. Creating a routine doesn't mean that every minute of the day needs to be planned out. It's about creating a framework that allows you to prioritize and allocate time to the most important tasks and activities. This can include setting specific times for meals, nap times, playtime, and self-care. By doing so, you can create a sense of stability and reduce the feeling of constantly being overwhelmed. Setting realistic expectations is also crucial in finding strength amidst the chaos. As moms, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to be perfect, to do it all, and to excel in every aspect of our lives. However, it's important to recognize that we are only human, and it's okay to have limitations and imperfections. By setting realistic expectations, we can avoid unnecessary stress and guilt. It's important to understand that it's impossible to do everything, and that's okay. Prioritize the most important tasks and let go of perfectionism. Give yourself permission to ask for help when needed and to take breaks without feeling guilty. Finding strength in the chaos is about embracing the journey of motherhood, with all its ups and downs. By developing a routine that works for you and setting realistic expectations, you can create a sense of balance and regain control over your life. Remember, you are doing an amazing job, and it's okay to take things one step at a time. 8. Prioritizing and delegating tasks to alleviate overwhelm Being a mom is a full-time job, and it's no secret that it can often feel overwhelming. Between juggling household responsibilities, taking care of children, and managing personal commitments, it's easy to become stretched thin. However, finding strength in the chaos is possible by prioritizing and delegating tasks effectively. One of the first steps to alleviating overwhelm is to identify and prioritize the most important tasks. Take a moment to list out all your responsibilities and obligations, both big and small. Then, evaluate each item based on its urgency and importance. This will help you gain clarity on what needs your immediate attention and what can be tackled later. Once you have identified your priorities, it's time to delegate. Remember, you don't have to do everything on your own. Reach out to your partner, family members, or trusted friends for support. Delegating tasks not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. In addition to seeking help from others, it's crucial to delegate tasks to your children as well. Assign age-appropriate chores and responsibilities to them, teaching them valuable life skills while also reducing your workload. This not only helps you manage your time more efficiently but also instills a sense of responsibility and independence in your children. Furthermore, don't hesitate to outsource certain tasks if it's feasible for you. Consider hiring a cleaning service, ordering groceries online, or utilizing meal delivery services. By taking advantage of these resources, you can free up valuable time and energy that can be better spent on self-care or quality time with your family. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and to let go of the need for perfection. Prioritizing and delegating tasks allows you to focus on what truly matters – the well-being of yourself and your family. Embrace the support available to you and find strength in knowing that you are not alone in navigating the chaos of motherhood. 9. Finding moments of joy and gratitude amidst the chaos Motherhood can often feel like a whirlwind of chaos. From juggling multiple responsibilities to managing the never-ending to-do lists, overwhelmed moms can easily find themselves drowning in a sea of stress and exhaustion. However, amidst the chaos, it is crucial to find moments of joy and gratitude that can help restore a sense of peace and fulfillment. Finding joy in the little things can make a significant difference in a mother's mental and emotional well-being. It can be as simple as witnessing your child's contagious laughter or receiving an unexpected hug that melts away the day's worries. These moments serve as gentle reminders of the pure love and happiness that motherhood can bring. Expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life can also be a powerful tool for finding strength amidst the chaos. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It could be the support of a loving partner, the health and happiness of your children, or even the small moments of solitude you manage to steal for yourself. Gratitude helps shift our focus from what is overwhelming to what brings us joy and fulfillment. Creating intentional moments of joy and gratitude can be done through simple acts of self-care. Carve out time for activities that bring you happiness and rejuvenation, whether it's reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or enjoying a cup of coffee in tranquility. By prioritizing self-care, overwhelmed moms can recharge their energy and find a renewed sense of purpose. Finding strength in the chaos is not about eliminating the challenges of motherhood but instead, it is about recognizing the moments of joy and gratitude that exist amidst the chaos. Embracing these moments allows overwhelmed moms to navigate the ups and downs of motherhood with a sense of resilience and grace. So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and remember to find joy and gratitude in the journey of motherhood. 10. Remembering your strength and resilience as a mom As a mom, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life. From juggling multiple responsibilities to dealing with unexpected challenges, it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times. However, it's important to take a moment to pause and remember your strength and resilience. Think about all the times you have faced adversity head-on and come out stronger on the other side. You have navigated sleepless nights, tackled tantrums, and handled countless messes with grace and determination. You are a master problem solver, a multitasking wizard, and a constant source of love and support for your family. In moments of doubt, remind yourself of the incredible power you possess. Reflect on the countless sacrifices you have made and continue to make for the well-being of your children. Your unwavering dedication and unwavering love are the pillars that hold your family together. Don't underestimate the impact you have on your children's lives. Your strength and resilience serve as a powerful example to them, teaching them the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of chaos. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are capable of handling whatever comes your way. Trust in your instincts, lean on your support system, and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, you are a force to be reckoned with, and no amount of chaos can dim your light. So, dear mom, when you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength and resilience you possess. Celebrate the victories, big and small, and find solace in knowing that you are more than capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes your way. Embrace the chaos, for within it lies your true power as a mom. I hope that this blog post has provided a comforting and encouraging message for all the overwhelmed moms out there. I understand that motherhood can sometimes feel like navigating through chaos, but it's important to remember that you are strong and capable. Take a deep breath, prioritize self-care, seek support from loved ones, and embrace the beautiful mess that comes with being a mom. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there is strength to be found even in the midst of chaos. Keep going, mama, and know that you are doing an amazing job! ----------------------------
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Hey ya'll. Yeah, I know it's been a few months but I'm back and I've got some excited news... our Bug is now a Level 2 competitive gymnast! Shout out to @JerseyGirl on Etsy for making these beautiful and comfy shirts! Check her out on Etsy ya'll! Check out Kaydence's first mock meet below:
Hey ya'll!
Now you know I was not going to let this month go by without making at least one blog. I mean...we are given the shortest month out of the year for the world to acknowledge our blackness... and you know I'm black...BLACKITY BLACK and Proud. As Black History Month comes to an end, I took a moment to reflect on what being black means to me. There is no better way to explain it than to acknowledge the revolutionary movement of Black Pride and Black Power. Brief History lesson: In the 1960's our culture revolutionized the power of our culture by the the black power movement. In the 1960's Stokely Carmichael started a movement of protests while shouting, "We want Black Power! " to address the demand for racial and political equality of African Americans. This was after Richard Wright wrote a book titled, Black Power, that told the personal tale of his travels to Ghana. The Black Power movement of the 60's allowed black people to become bold and express their power while also fighting for equality and justice. Black Power was a statement and also contributed to our black pride. For the first time in history black people where also confident in their own skin; from our coily hair and prominent features, to our hope that one day the rest of the world would recognize us as the beautiful people we knew ourselves to be. The movement was so powerful that James Brown's, Say It Loud, became our anthem. Fast Forward: Now here are in 2023 - still black...still proud... but my question is when will there be another revolution for Blackness? I was thinking to myself, I love and celebrate my blackness every day...not just in February (the shortest month of the year), but what else can Black people give to the world to proudly express about our culture? Black Pride is everything, but it's nothing without Black Joy. How can we truly have Power without Joy? Webster's dictionary defines joy as, "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness." Black people are taught to be strong and hide our pain...never truly experiencing joy. In our community, we sweep things under the rug and act like things don't exist such as mental illness, childhood trauma, or sexual abuse. In our attempts to appear strong, we go without self care but drown in self sabotage. So I declare that on this day we indulge in Black Joy. What does that mean and how do we achieve it? We acknowledge the bull shit, by dealing with childhood trauma and mental illness Realize our own bull shit- stop with the imposter syndrome and self sabotage And say fuck that shit -learn how to delegate responsibility and stop trying to be super heroes. Last but not least, we learn how to be unapologetic about shit. So many times we as black people deal with unnecessary issues out of sparing the feelings of others, avoiding confrontation, or simply out of not wanting to feel like we fit into the "angry black man/woman " stereotype. Now is the time to speak up. It's time to be unapologetically aware and say, "Fuck Yo Couch" just like Dave Chapelle in the Rick James Skit. Black Power is Black Joy. “I embraced joy as my birthright. Radical black joy is inherent as a human need and not some special trinket you get after you rise high enough on the social-economic ladder or unlock some special level of desirability or accomplishment. –Tanya Denise Fields Signed, Krystale Jane'l I’m super excited! I have so much to share with you guys! I have a new Vlog go check it out I recently celebrated my 38th birthday on May 16th. While almost being 40 is something I’m learning to appreciate, I must admit the unwanted body changes and my metabolism slowing down weren’t things I had prepared for. None the less, this new chapter in my “Pre 40 Turn-up” is one I’m learning to embrace and accept.
For me, the Pre 40 Turn-up is more so about reflecting, figuring out what works for you and eliminating what doesn’t, and finally becoming comfortable with yourself enough to live out the rest of years being the very best version of you. I can admit, it took some time on this journey for me to figure it out. Just like death, I think every woman goes through different stages of emotion. Denial- you still want to believe you still “have it” until you go to the club and see the younger women who can actually still shop at Forever 21 and who can actually eat whatever they want and drink and party all night without facing the consequences the next day. Meanwhile, by 10 o’clock you are ready to call it a night and tuck yourself in with a good novel, Lifetime movie, or your favorite podcast. Guilt- Because somehow through this whole process of almost being 40 while you were reflecting… you start blaming yourself for things “that could’ve been” and over analyzing your life on how it should of been if your choices had of been different. Unfortunately, at some point you realize your life isn’t a Choose Your Own Adventure book and you don’t get to go back and do a redo. You realize the truth of the matter is, your life is pretty dope and if there are things that need to change you have the power to do so because you are a badass powerful woman! Bargaining- You are a bad ass powerful woman but you also still want to hold onto things that are only allowed BEFORE the Pre 40 Turn-up. Things like not wearing your glasses because you keep trying to convince yourself you are just going to save for LASIK, taking the easy way out and turning to diet pills and diet fads instead of just eating healthier and exercising, staying in relationships just a little longer because you try to convince yourself they are changing or you just “know” they are finally preparing to commit. At the end of this stage you finally come to reality and realize no amount of bargaining can change the inevitable- IT STARTS WITH YOU TAKING PROACTIVE AND CONSISTENT ACTIONS, and not trying to reason with yourself to take the easy way out because of your fear of the unknown. Depression- 40 is almost staring you in the face. You realize the changes you need to make, and you take action! Only to discover you find yourself in the land of the unknown. You may have even lost close relationships because you are finally deciding to live for you… the additional baggage of unhealthy relationships just isn’t going to cut it anymore. Somewhere in your mind you miss the life you had before your “AaHa” moment, and you start to doubt how badass and powerful you really are. You know in your heart your best life is ahead, but the old life is so much more inviting and convenient. You compare yourself to others who are in their Pre 40 Turn-Up and they really do seem to be miles ahead of you, and have accomplished every goal they have ever set…meanwhile you are on the verge of a nervous break down because that big project that could really change your entire career is due and your trusty Macbook just retired before you did, or you find yourself struggling as a newly divorced single mom having to juggle a new life without a spouse and find the perfect balance for your home and work life. This is your new reality and somehow you push through. You know that this stage of being a “hot mess” will only allow you to grow and prepare you for the Hope that lies ahead. Acceptance- This is it…the moment you have been waiting on. The crowd is cheering for you and chanting your name! You have finally arrived! You are unbothered. Your wisdom and style surpasses anything you ever had in your younger years. You know who you are because you experienced so much and learned how to grow and flourish. You look in the mirror and you just know you are a High Commodity Asset. You have finally embraced your new life as a SUPER BADASS PRE 40 QUEEN! You finally get the gym membership and buy the Spanx! You are UNSTOPPABLE! Hey Luvs,
So as you know I have been on this spiritual journey and I recently started vlogging on my Krystale Explains It All Youtube channel. One of the things I recently discovered is EFT tapping techniques to help release blocked energy and relieve stress. Here is just my brief overview about my experience and explaining what EFT is. Check it out: |
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