This time of year always leaves me feeling overwhelmed, out of sorts and stretched too thin.  We had Labor Day, school started and then a week later I took off two days for Rosh Hashana and had to work from home the day after (Tzom Gedalia- kids only had half day).

Then a week later kids didn’t have school on Erev Yom Kippur, I took off for Yom Kippur and will be off Monday and Tuesday for the following two weeks.

Towards the beginning of the month I was super organized.  We did our shopping and cooking in advance, all the laundry was done and we were on a roll.

Stretched Too Thin

But then things got crazy and I started to fall behind.  I forgot to wash the kids Shabbos shirts after Rosh Hashana.  I didn’t plan anything for the meal before the fast (other than chicken) and I have no idea when I’m going to do all of my work for my day job.  I will literally be working 3-4 days the rest of this month with 2 weeks worth of work to do.

I’ve just been in such a funk lately and sometimes when that happens I feel so alone.  It always looks like everyone else has it all together and I’m the only one floundering.  But in reality, I know that’s not true and I’ve been trying really hard to fight those feelings of incompetence, guilt and being overwhelmed.

Overcoming Overwhelm

I was so lucky to have been chosen to join the book launch team* for Jessica Turner’s new book Stretched Too Thin.   She’s the author of The Fringe Hours which I feel like I end up quoting a lot.  Anyway, this book could not have come at a better time.  I was able to finish reading it before all the September craziness started.  Although I still get that “overwhelmed” feeling, I can manage it better, because I was mentally prepared for it by reading this book.  *As part of the book launch team I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Stretched Too Thin is geared towards working moms- because it was written by a working mom.  Jessica speaks of her own experience and emotions and the book’s subtitle explains the theme of the book perfectly – “how working moms can lose the guilt, work smarter, and thrive”.  I was basically nodding “yes” the entire time I was reading it.  It talks about the importance of self-care, being present when you are with your kids, cultivating friendships and creating a home you love.

My 5 takeaways:

1. I don’t have to do everything – I can ask for help and outsource- and that’s ok!
2. It’s ok to spend time on myself without feeling guilty
3. I can spend time with my kids even when I’m busy – I can invite them to be involved with what I’m doing- whether it’s housework or a hobby
4. Take a break and create memories with my kids. Be present when I’m with them and enjoy them.
5. We need to do what works for us- don’t look at what others are doing

So, if you’re having a hard time juggling this holiday season and need some encouragement, I highly recommend this book.  It’s a quick read and you won’t want to put it down.

Until next time,
Shaindy