As I start to write this piece, I am really thinking about all my Christmas and holiday plans and chores, but I realize that it really is a great topic for a single parent at any time of the year. At some point, no matter how much we have already done or how much we think we still “ought” to do—we pretty much have to just decide that things are good enough and let it go.
Last night, as I was maneuvering around the grocery store picking up items, I told myself it was going to be my VERY LAST TRIP to the grocery store before Christmas. When I got ready to leave the house this morning, however, to attend a work-related event, I caught myself making a “little” list and a plan to stop off for just a couple more things on the way home. THIS, I tell myself, will be the very last shopping excursion before I settle in for the holidays. In typical single parent fashion, there is always something that remains undone and something else on my list that I could do: I could have made new stockings this year and when will I ever get that fabric I’ve been using as a tree skirt for five years mended? As soon as I’ve crossed off every item on one list, I can easily find myself writing up a new one.
BUT, at some point, for our own peace of mind and mental health, we do have to just STOP with the lists and errands. At some point, we have to decide that we have done our best and there is no need to continue fussing and trying to “do better.” At some point, only we can decide that as single parents we are good enough and that we have done a decent enough job at all the little pieces of our lives we are trying to keep together.
Also: Allow for Last Minute
Are You Trying to Recreate or Create an Unattainable Fantasy?