This week, as I’m still adjusting to our new normal here at the Miller Manor, I have been trying to make very intentional choices toward happiness. My family sacrifices a lot for me to be pregnant and I am so excited to be feeling back to my normal self again so I can continue to be the mama these children deserve. I tend to be susceptible to depression, especially in these hormonal seasons of life and I have found that throwing myself into motherhood really does my soul good, and having a happy home equals a truly happy heart. Sometimes I feel I need a little boost toward a happier home and today I’m jotting down some tricks I use in case you need a boost too!
- Imagine the kind of mom you’d like to be, then be that.
When I doubt myself as a mom (which is waaaay too often, let me tell you), I like to imagine the type of mother I’ve always wanted to be. For me, this is a mother who does things like happily keeps a tidy home, one who talks and plays with her children, and bakes an after school snack on the regular. (Remember the feeling of coming home from school to baked goods? I want my kids to have that!) This week I set a goal to happily get caught up on laundry because I knew that would make me feel like a good mom. I also really wanted to connect with my older girls since I have been so busy with the babies. So one day after school this week while the little ones were napping, we made an easy treat. They beamed at that surprise and had happy moods the rest of the evening.
- Try something new.
We are not defined by the things we do or do not do – we can change things up at any time. Just because I’m not the kind of mom that takes my kids to the library every week doesn’t mean I can’t change that whenever I want. So go on an adventure with the family, do that pinterest project that’s out of the comfort zone, make that new recipe… If it works out great, you might have found your new “thing”, if it is a disaster, you have taught your kids a valuable lesson on trying something new and extending yourselves grace when it falls apart. It’s a win-win. Last weekend, we went to the gas station and let our kids all pick out whatever treat they wanted and took a long drive. They thought they won the lottery!
- Get help!
Hire Help: Have you ever heard “Do what you do best, hire out the rest?” Of course that’s not always possible, but I think this is a great principle even at home. I am a good cook and I enjoy cooking and meal planning. I am not such a naturally good housekeeper. So, I hire a cleaning lady that deep cleans my house once a month. That is the perfect way for me to feel
like I can stay on top of it and not get buried. But hiring isn’t always necessary. My sister-in-law is an amazing organizer, and I have a good eye for design. Sometimes I help her with a room in her house, or a wall collage, etc. and she helps me organize my pantry (which she’ll be helping me with soon and I will document her genius process!). Trade services you’re good at with someone who’s good at something you’re not.
Ask Advice: When I have an area I’m struggling with, I love to find someone who doesn’t struggle with that area and ask them how they do it. Like how my cousin loves laundry (which I haaated) and she told me her laundry routine. I tried it, and found it works great for me too!
I have friends that are good at so many things. I could sit back and feel bad about myself that I’m not as good at those things, or I could ask one of my friends to teach me how to be better. My friend Heather is an amazing hostess. Hosting is something I’d like to be better at, so at an upcoming event she’s agreed to help me and teach me how she does things. I have also found that when people are good at things, they are usually flattered when you ask for their help and are happy to assist.
(this is our amazing “cinco de mayo book club” hosted by Heather last week)
These 3 things have helped me be happier at home this week, and I hope they get you started with some ideas to make you happier at home, too. Because we could all use a little more happiness, right??
xoxo
Kimberly
Hey I love your tips and hope all is going well with your cute family! So I would like to have this upcoming baby naturally and am wondering if you have any good resources or tips for me? Did you do hypnobirthing or any classes? Do you know of classes here in st. george? I know you’re busy, so when or if you get time you can text me at 467-0404 or email me at kimberdunk@yahoo.com. Oh and what type of baby slings do you use, it looks perfect! Thanks!