Come Along Little Ducklings

Photo courtesy of Google Images

 My kids always lag behind.  I am constantly uttering the ugly phrase, "c'mon let's go".  Usually followed with an "already", a loud sigh, and an unsightly tap of the toe.

Sound familiar?  I'd like to think that it's because I'm some sort of great leader, or something even more profound; they are following in my footsteps. Ego boost OVER, it's neither!  My kids always lag behind because they are, quite simply, in no hurry to get to where they're going.  

When they were little, (because ages 8 & 10 are all grown up dontcha know) I taught them to line up behind me like ducklings.  I did this for safety reasons.  I know, I know...you'd think that I had 6 kids to keep safe. Before I went all slacker mom on 'em I used to be overprotective mom (slacker mom cape is way cooler). They'd line up behind me like ducklings so no one got hit by a car while I was pushing an overfilled shopping cart, carrying a case of diapers, or texting while walking through the parking lot.  :-)

So, as I was about to give them the usual "c'mon let's go" spiel I just slowed down and observed.  Like I said, I realized they were in no hurry to get to where they were going.   They were chatting about their day, about where we were headed, cracking jokes, and picking on each other.  They didn't care what was waiting up ahead, they were in the moment.  They quite literally stopped to smell the flowers.  They had no agenda other than to just be.  I have always relished in just being; when I have the time that is.  

My little ducklings are growing up (way too fast).  They are going to learn the hard way that in this crazy, chaotic world they need to hurry up and wait.  They are no longer going to learn that from me.  I vow to get them out of the house and to their destination on time, (other people's time is a valuable lesson too) but I will give us enough of my time to get there at their pace.  I'll let them be great leaders.  I'll follow in their footsteps as they have a lot to teach me about this journey we're on.  After all, getting there is half the fun!  Now, C'mon let's go already as there is so much to see before we get there!!  

Exhaustion Aisle 9

Yesterday while out shopping I ran into another Mom-Acquaintance.  We exchanged the normal pleasantries in the middle of the grocery aisle and when she asked me how I was doing I replied, "I'm well".  Except I wasn't "well".  I slumped over the cart handle and with a big smile and sigh I uttered three words that most moms wouldn't be caught dead admitting, "Truthfully, I'm exhausted".  Something strange happened once those words spilled from my mouth.  My friend relaxed.  Her whole body language changed; the tension in her shoulders seemed to float away, her face showed that she knew what I was talking about, and she smiled and said, "Me too, I get it".

Moms tend to not admit how tired they are, how simply exhausting it all is.  Why?  I think it's filed under the same category as not asking for help.  Not only do I tend to not complain about being exhausted, I get really pissed when I hear my husband talk about how tired he is, how much sleep he didn't get, or how long the day is going to be.  Dude, really?!  It's not his fault, he can admit when he's tired.  I shouldn't expect him to not let his exhaustion be known.  I shouldn't expect myself to keep it all inside either.

I won't bore you the reasons why I'm tired.  If you're a mom you get it.  I will say that it felt good to be honest with myself.  To say it out loud.  It's not about finding ways to slow down and do for yourself.  It's about realizing you don't have to hide just how tired you are.  It's okay to admit it.  You won't be any less busy or any less tired when you speak those three little words, but you will be less stressed about holding it all together in the middle of the aisle trying to be well.  Try it, Trust Me.  Now, go take a nap!