As a kid, I was completely out of control. I left home very young and did absolutely everything I wasn’t supposed to do. If anyone told me not to do something or dared to tell me “no”, I would make it my mission to do it anyway. I had a real problem with authority (I think I still do) and I felt the need to challenge everyone and everything that tried to shove me in that “normal” box. My poor, poor parents.
Fast forward 20 years and I suddenly realize that I am the authority figure in my life. Not only do I have three little kids to be responsible for, but I have myself to be in charge of each and everyday. Every morning I have to force myself to get out of bed (usually kicking and screaming) and make the girls lunches and send them off to school. Milo and I then make the beds, clean the house and do our daily Mom-and-Milo routines. Everyday is pretty much identical to the day before and consists of me following the “rules” and “checklists” designed by me, for me in order to do the best job I can as a housewife and stay-at-home Mom.
Cleaning Woman Maid with Duster on White
Make the beds? Check. Do the laundry? Check. Worry that I’ve turned into some suburban stepford wife? Check.
Where did that rebellious teen go? Sometimes I daydream of my past life as a carefree and irresponsible runaway, but truth be told, the downsides of that life far outweighed the good (being homeless and hungry kinda sucked ass).
So now here I am, in my “ticky-tacky” house with my “ticky-tacky” family in my little “ticky-tacky” life and I am surprised to admit that….I’m happy. Routines make me happy (gag, I know). Having a clean and clutter free home makes me happy (I’m still cool on the inside). Being stress-free makes me very happy. Is my life exciting? No, of course not, but in my experience, excitement is overrated. Besides, isn’t that what vacations are for?
If you are still rebelling against the “Mom Box”, may I suggest just climbing in and giving it a try. It is cosier than you think!
Slap on an apron, clean the house, make an amazing dinner and tell yourself that just because you are channeling a little June Cleaver doesn’t mean that you’re not still badass on the inside!
