Written by Jenna, Contributing Writer
Raise your hand if you sometimes find yourself on a mission to acquire “Rockstar Mama” status? You know, working your tail off to always look your best… burning hundreds of calories to make your house model-home worthy… running around town trying to score the best deals on things you really don’t need.
Come on, admit it.
Some of us have an addiction of chasing after the “idea of better things”. If we can just accomplish “this or that” then we will be fulfilled and happy. But most times we are not. We are burnt out. Tired. Grumpy and sometimes, a very loose cannon from the mess we have found ourselves in.
Stop believing this lie. Use your God-given ambition and drive for greater things. It may be hard, but I know you can do it.
Here are 23 ways to avoid becoming a “Rockstar Mama”… from a recovering, wannabe Rockstar mama.
- You can’t do it all. You are in fact, human. Remember your true Source of strength. (Is. 40:29-31)
- Don’t allow yourself to believe that a perfect house equals a perfect mama or wife.
- Swallow your pride and get help when you are overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to hand over some of your control to someone else.
- Set small, attainable goals. Remember, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
- Keep Scripture close. Make them visible. Trust His Word to guide you through your day for wisdom and strength. (Ps. 119:105)
- We mamas need something to look forward to! Have a regular date night or time out alone. Pencil it in and stick to it.
- Breathe in some fresh air. By allowing yourself to be ruled by your made-up demands, you will almost always become weighed down. Spend a few minutes outside and get refocused.
- Learn to chill. There will always be pressing things for you to do when you are a mama. Reward yourself with regular, feet-up type breaks.
- Take more baths. Actually sitting your, ahem, bottom down in the tub with something aromatic to breathe in does wonders.
- Cut some things out. I am very proud to say there are some things I have ditched over the years. Ironing being one. Find a few things like that and say, au revoir.
- Exercise. I know you’re tired, but there is something cleansing about a good work-out. Not only will exercising clear your mind, it will also give you a boost of confidence which every worn-out mama needs.
- Connect with a friend. There are many times I am caught in my “real world tornado” of laundry, cooking, cleaning, and so. A simple visit with a trusting friend is sometimes all a girl needs. (Prov. 27:17)
- Don’t put stock in a clean house. Remember with little ones, what you clean now will most likely be messy again in 2 hours.
- Create a special spot in your house that’s just for you. Keep a journal, your favorite book, a Bible, pen and a candle nearby. This is your spot to rest and get rejuvenated.
- Incorporate music into your day. It is proven that music is represented in multiple parts of the brain. It has positive effects on your memory, immune system, and helps to fight fatigue and increase productivity.
- Be healthy. A clean diet, plenty of water and good supplements are priceless in keeping you well, both physically and emotionally.
- Keep praying. God always wants to hear from us and there are many others who could benefit from our prayers. Prayer can truly change our heart and focus. (Jas. 5:16)
- Write letters… not emails. There is something special about receiving a handwritten letter. Writing a letter to someone will not only be an encouragement to them, but will leave you feeling good as well.
- Connection with family is priority. I believe our children are always standing in line for our time and attention. Some days our houses may flat-out be horrendous. Let it go. Agree to be your kid’s hero, not their stressed-out, live-in housemaid.
- Resist the urge to compare. This is a danger many women fall prey to. You will for sure become weary if you start comparing other’s strengths with your weaknesses. Remember we are all different. Be content with the gifts you are given. (Gal. 6:4)
- Be accountable to someone. Asking someone dependable to keep you in check with your shortcomings will always be invaluable. (Ecc. 4:9)
- Limit your time using media. Blogs, Pinterest, TV, and so on can sometimes portray perfect lives. When we mirror those images – perfect homes, perfect bodies… perfect everything – against our lives we will almost always become dissatisfied with our present conditions. Be very cautious in this area.
- See the big picture. Rock-star mamas don’t get awards here on earth. Nothing we do inside our homes or for our families will most likely bring us great fame and fortune. But don’t forget that our prize is waiting for those of us who are children of God (Rev. 22:12). Work hard, but love much first.
So put down the Magic Eraser. Stop worrying about how your boards are doing on Pinterest… and just be you.
You are lovely as you are, tired mama.
In 20 years, your children will not remember how perfectly you kept things. They will remember Mama.
You.
Jenna is a happy wife to Brian and a full-time mom to 4 boys. She is a follower of Christ, a researcher and an aspiring blogger, foodie and lover of all things healthy.
Join her at Wholesome Bits and connect with her on Facebook.
*Linked to: Women Living Well, Homemaking Linkup, Traditional Tuesdays, Titus 2sdays, Works for Me, Simple Lives Thursday, Encourage One
All of these are such important reminders. Thank you for taking the time to put it together while keeping the Lord at the center. Love this kind of encouragement. As proof, I went off to Starbucks BY MYSELF this evening. Ahhh! Jodi @ http://www.meaningfulmama.com
You want me to stop comparing? Heh! That’s something I definitely struggle with. Thanks for the reminer. 🙂
Thank you for this post! I am going through a very demanding time in my motherhood right now and this is so inspiring.
Hang in there! I have been a mom to 4 boys for almost 13 years. It is hard work! We need to take care our ourselves and keep the Lord as our main focus. Happy you stopped by and read the post 🙂
Love your post, Jenna! Such good reminders, especially about connecting with a friend. I really am in need of doing that right now…somehow it gives me fresh perspective and such encouragement to talk to someone I trust!
Love this list! We all need this reminder on occasion.
Such excellent advice, Jenna!! I love all the practical tips. It’s silly really how much pressure we put on ourselves. Cherish now, dust later! xo-C.
I just found your blog through Works for Me Wednesday. I love what you say and may have to hang some of your quotes up to remember. I just finished a chapter from the book, Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free. It was about our priorities, it goes along perfectly with what you have said. Thanks for the reminder!
Brandi
WOW! THANK YOU
Glad this blessed you today! 🙂