The Unofficial MVPs of My Days

There’s a lot of talk about survival mode in early motherhood, and I get it, but I don’t always feel like I’m barely hanging on. Most days, I’m somewhere between overstimulated and totally fine. Which is a strange space to live in, but here I am.

So, this isn’t a list of things saving me. It’s more like a quiet lineup of small things that are carrying me physically, mentally, and emotionally through this season. The simple, repeatable things that remind me I’m doing okay.

1. Pre-workout. Do I workout after I drink it? Sometimes. Does it help me wake up and dive into the day? Yup. Especially on the days when Roman wakes up at 5AM during this sleep training period.

2. Putting on a real outfit. Not for anyone else. Just for me. A top that doesn’t scream, “I slept in this,” pants with a waistband, and a pair of earrings. It pulls me into the day differently.

3. My drugstore highlighter. It’s probably not even my shade, but when I put that thang on and I see a little shimmer-shimmer from the light bouncing off my face, oooohhh! It gives me that confidence boost I needed. Makes me look and feel alive.

4. Going for a walk a couple times a week, even if it’s short. Sometimes it’s a whole production. Other times, it’s just a lap around the block. But the fresh air, the baby stroller, the rhythm of moving–this resets everything. Well, most things.

5. Low maintenance friendships. I’m talking about the friends in your text threads that don’t require full sentences or, even better, you leave each other on read. The friends where someone just sends “same” or “ugh” and you get it. Or, the friends that don’t need responses right away (or at all!) but somehow you guys are still chatting anyway. These people are gold.

6. A good snack at 3pm. Not a green juice. Not a sad handful of almonds. I mean buttered toast, good cheese, or chocolate. Peak luxury.

7. BRAVO. I love my housewives, Summer House, and Below Deck. There’s something about seeing into the thoughts and lives of others. Is it rigged? Maybe. But I’m invested and they make me laugh, so who cares? 

8. Saying “I tried” more often. Not everything has to run smoothly, be perfect, or be aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes, just getting through the day or out of the house with everyone fed and mostly content is enough. I’m learning to lean into that.