Lower the bar on purpose

Back-to-School Overwhelm: How to Stay Grounded as the Season Fills Up

The forms appear, supply lists, sign-ups, schedules, the "don't forget" reminders, the three different start times, the shoes that no longer fit. The whole season turns and all of it lands on one person.

You.

It’s the work no one sees and there's a particular kind of tired that comes with this time of year and it isn't really about the tasks. It's about being the one who holds the whole map in her head.

Who remembers which kid needs what on which day. Who's tracking the appointments and the deadlines and the slowly emptying pantry. Who keeps everyone's life running so smoothly that no one notices it's being run at all.

No one thinks to thank you for that seemingly invisible work which can leave you feeling both completely essential and strangely alone.

For some reason we decide that if we're going to carry it all, we'd better carry it flawlessly but the real goal should be to get through this season without abandoning yourself inside it.

Some seasons, the bar can to be "everyone is fed and loved." That's allowed.

For when you need it, here’s some small anchors to hold you steady…

1 - Take two minutes in the car. Before you walk back into the house and become "on" again, sit for a moment. A few long, slow breaths.

2 - Guard one small pocket of the day. The walk to the mailbox. The first five minutes of quiet.

3 - Let someone help, and let it be imperfect. When help is offered, try saying yes — even if they don't do it your way.

4 - Lower the bar on purpose. Choose one thing this week that's allowed to be "good enough."

This season will ask a lot of you. You're allowed to meet it grounded, instead of frayed.

-Julie