Embracing the Chaos: How I Try to Find Joy in the Everyday Challenges of Motherhood, Health & Family Life

Being a mom is like being a superhero without a cape, constantly dodging flying toys, battling laundry monsters, and surviving surprise attacks from snack monsters. While my to-do list grows longer than Rapunzel's hair and my health is playing hide and seek, I've realized that sprinkling a little joy on the chaos must be a mandatory part of my daily routine. So, bring it on, universe! I'm armed with humor, ready to conquer each day with a smile....or at least walk out the door initially with a smile. Let's be real, who can smile all damn day?!

Life with the family circus is like riding a rollercoaster with a teenage diva convinced the world revolves around her. Picture this: a heroic attempt at Gluten Free Pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning with my son. Despite my best efforts not to contaminate the batter with my incessant coughing, we ended up with lots of laughter. His proud face as he devoured his blueberry pancake was priceless. Sure, I was left a sweaty mess, feeling like I'd run a marathon, but hey, a sense of achievement was there too. Did I overdo it that Sunday? Oh, absolutely. The repercussions hit hard that night; I swear my body was staging a revolt. Yet, the kids had clean clothes, the fridge was stocked (thanks to a miraculous delivery service), dishes were done, and the little ones were prepped for school. For a brief moment, a sense of normalcy took over... until reality came crashing down, and this mama's smile turned into tears of pain, exhaustion and defeat.

This week is a series of doctor's appointments one after the other - I'm half-jokingly considering the idea of a magical genie emerging from a pill bottle to grant me a single wish. I'm not asking for much, just one wish will do! I'm envisioning a solid strategy, a genuine one, similar to a military operation but with stethoscopes involved. My team of doctors have unite and devise a comprehensive plan that will help me regain my strength and feel like my sassy self is back and I am not this ancient relic. I long for the days when I was bold with a very small filter around the clock. Apologies to the naysayers, but that fierce version of myself? She's a force to be reckoned with! 🔥 This tiered, drugged up,

defeated and now fat ass (from the steroids) is not a showstopper.......people pay to leave this kind of interactive experience!

Ever since my hospital escape, I've decided to take matters into my own hands, as much as possible, and not just trust those bickering doctors. I mean, come on, they're like children fighting over who gets the highest grade on a test; in this case, the test is me, the elusive zebra patient. I've been busting my butt eating anti-inflammatory foods, even meal prepping veggies and chicken for the week. I've become a vitamin-popping, peppermint-scented superhero (thanks, Victoria!), and I've even kicked Smoothie King to the curb to craft my own protein-packed shakes at home. I am seeing that it's not just me benefiting - the whole fam is getting in on the action. Don't worry, I am not a total monster, the kids still have their stash of processed goodies for school - gotta keep the snack game strong, am I right moms? The judgement on lunch and snacks is real, even in Pre-K!

So, here's the deal: my brain is doing somersaults, and my emotions are having a wild party, which is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. But the real heroes here are my family. My teenager is navigating through the maze of anxiety like a confused squirrel in a secret garden, and my son suddenly turned into a "mom, I love you" machine in the past two days. And then there's Tom, my husband, who's basically a tired superhero - VP by day, chauffeur by night, juggling more balls than a circus clown: softball, cooking, homework, you name it. It's a madhouse, but they don't give up on me, which often times does surprise me. These days you never know what Mom or Wife you are going to get and trust me shit changes minute to minute, these medications (steroids high dose) are no joke. Their patience with me keeps me wanting to push forward --not just stop in a wet pile of concrete and turn to stone.

Alright, fellow moms let's admit it - we've all had those moments of clinging to crazy high expectations. Guilty as charged, this Type "A" mama right here! But hey, I'm working to chill and embrace the use of boundaries. It's totally fine to draw the line and prioritize our own sanity, right? Or am I insane for thinking that's possible. This whole mom gig is tough! Once you enter the realm of motherhood, it's like the universe hits the switch and suddenly our own crap takes a back seat. That's parenthood for you - signing a contract with the chaos, all in the name of our Pinterest-perfect family dreams. I'm a certified people pleaser, the mere thought of someone being slightly upset with me drives me bonkers, which is outrageous given my huge mouth.....I gotta learn to take the mud if I am going to throw the dirt. Seriously, I've got enough on my plate to fuel a soap opera marathon for this mama!

So, get this - when I spill my mom struggles to other mamas, it's like a breath of fresh air in a room full of dirty diapers! I used to think I was the lone ranger in a Pee Wee's nutty world, remember that disturbing show?!? Where chaos reigns supreme 24/7. But hey, turns out we're all living in our own mini–Pee Wee's crazy house, whether we 'fess up to it or not! Being able to talk openly with other mamas that surround me on a daily basis is freeing and also free, unlike my therapy/psychiatrist. Thank you to all those who read, share, comment, email; struggle is real and yes, at times even as moms we cry over spilled milk.....but spilled tequila definitely will get me to scream at your ass.