We’re swinging into the fall season, and between school starting, sports in full swing, and all the other normal chaos motherhood seems to bring, life can sometimes be a bit unpredictable.
We all struggle to maintain smooth routines, predictable schedules, and a sense of control over what’s happening in our world. But despite our best efforts, things don’t always go according to plan.
That’s when I’ve learned to take a step back, reassess, and rearrange. Whether it’s managing the toy tornado in the basement, meal planning, juggling work deadlines, homeschooling the children, or trying to maintain some semblance of self-care when I feel like I’m in the trenches, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is: when in doubt, rearrange.
Sometimes, I become rigid in my expectations and have difficulty letting go because I’ve put so much effort into schedules, routines, and spaces that I believe will work well for my family. It’s easy to get flustered when curveballs arise, whether it be illness, work, or a bad day.
In moments like these, I’m reminded that the most important thing I can do is to remain flexible.
Pushing through frustration generally leads to tension on all fronts (in myself, the children, and my husband), and that’s not the atmosphere I want to create in my home. But I’ve realized that flexibility doesn’t mean giving up on your plans; it means adjusting them to fit your current reality.
I’m a big believer in renewing spaces, and I’m not talking about saging your house. We spend a lot of time at home, so when I feel like the kids are outgrowing spaces or the house is a cluttered mess, I don’t rush to buy storage bins (okay, maybe sometimes). Switching up the furniture or some of your decor can create newness and clarity. I love watching @TheHomeEdit for inspiration.
On another note, rethinking your routine may be what the doctor ordered. Maybe meal prepping on the weekend (or trying Feast & Fettle, more on that here) or setting earlier bedtimes will make your routine more manageable again.
Rearranging is an ongoing process. It’s about realizing that just because something worked yesterday doesn’t mean it’ll work tomorrow, and that’s okay!
As moms, we’re usually expected to have all the answers, but life is constantly changing, and so are we. Next time you feel stuck or frustrated, try rearranging. Whether it’s the furniture, your routine, or your expectations, sometimes a little shift is all we need to get things flowing again.
