Why Less is More in 2024: Thrive in the Mess of Motherhood
In the whirlwind of modern parenting, where the pressure to do more, be more, and give more is relentless, 2024 marks a pivotal moment to embrace a counterintuitive mantra: less is more. This isn’t about shirking responsibilities or stepping back from the joys of motherhood—it’s about refining our focus using the TRASH parent principles—Thoughtful, Rested, Accountable, Secure, and Happy—to set meaningful boundaries and prioritize what truly fills our cups.
Momin’ Aint Easy
Motherhood is often painted with a rosy hue, and those who speak the truth are often shhhed and pushed aside. However, for those brave enough to face the truth, we know it comes with its share of challenges. From sleepless nights to the societal pressures of being the “perfect” parent, motherhood can be as overwhelming as rewarding. The constant juggle of family, work, and personal time can leave us feeling like we’re failing on all fronts. The mental load, a term that has gained traction over the years, refers to the invisible labor involved in managing a household and family, and it disproportionately falls on mothers. It’s a relentless to-do list that plays in our minds, leaving us exhausted and stretched too thin.
The Power of TRASH:
The TRASH principles aren’t about cleaning up the literal messes that come with having children (though that’s part of it) but about tidying up our lives from the clutter that drains our energy and joy.
1. Thoughtful: Before saying yes to another commitment, we must pause and consider whether it aligns with our values and priorities. Being thoughtful about our choices means understanding the impact each one has on our wellbeing and our family’s harmony. Does this activity or commitment nourish our souls or serve someone else’s expectations? It’s okay to say, “I can, but I don’t want to.” No one needs you more than you need you.
2. Rested: A rested parent is more present and patient, yet rest is often the first thing we sacrifice. Prioritizing sleep and downtime isn’t selfish—it’s a necessity. By doing less, we allow ourselves the time to recharge, making the time we spend doing more effective and joyful.
3. Accountable: Holding ourselves accountable for our own happiness is empowering. We can’t control everything, but we can take responsibility for how we react to the chaos of life. This means setting boundaries and being okay with saying no to what doesn’t serve us. It also means being honest with yourself about what is inside or out of your sphere of influence.
4. Secure: Security comes from within—it’s the confidence to make choices that are right for our family, free from the guilt imposed by external expectations. It’s about finding peace in the simplicity of our decisions, knowing that we are doing enough.
5. Happy: Ultimately, we all want to be happy. By shedding the excess, we make room for joy, laughter, and memories. Happiness is a choice that can be made easier when we’re not overwhelmed by the non-essentials.
Taking Charge:
Taking charge of our lives means first acknowledging that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that it’s okay to want to do less. It’s about recognizing that every time we say yes to something, we’re potentially saying no to something else—perhaps something that brings us more joy. That’s why our yes can sometimes be expensive, depleating us of the investments we’ve made in our wellbeing and not paying back any dividends (Can you tell who is workin on their finances in the new year…THIS GIRL! )
As we move through 2024, let’s remember that our worth is not measured by how much we do or how well we are able to sustain discomfort but by the joy and love we infuse into what we choose to do. Let’s be thoughtful in our actions, prioritize rest, hold ourselves accountable, find security in our choices, and focus on what makes us genuinely happy. By doing so, we’ll not only be better parents but also happier and more fulfilled individuals.
Motherhood isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters. In 2024, let’s embrace the art of doing less to enjoy more of what life has to offer. Let’s fill our cups so abundantly that our overflow pours into others, and let’s show the world that sometimes, less really is more.