The moment I have dreaded for so long is finally upon me. Tomorrow, I return to work. Alone. Without my child. How could this be ? Why did the time pass so quickly? More importantly, why didn’t I marry into a wealthy family? ( just kidding, Hubby) To be fair, my job as a teacher coupled with my miraculous conception timing gave me an entire summer off ( 3.5 months exactly) to bond with my tater tot ( creep #3). I have had more time than most mothers get, but that doesn’t make it any easier. My grandmother will care for her, which eases my mind somewhat. But I’m her mother. I think I need her more than she really needs me. I will miss our morning snuggles and conversations ( her babbling skills are impeccable). I will miss our afternoon quarrels because she fights her sleep , but then I get to watch her nap peacefully once the Sleep Monster takes over. The dynamics of the summer routine we’ve created together are now a thing of the past, until further notice.

So what does all this mean? Simply put, I have to cope with change. I will have to approach life and work much differently. And I have to do it quickly. Going back to work after becoming a parent is an entirely different monster, especially for mothers. There’s a lot of preparation involved ( meal prepping, bottle washing, cleaning… an endless list) . I pray I’m ready because tomorrow will arrive whether I am ready or not. So since I am not completely in control of this experience, I’ve decided to not be bitter about it. I am embracing it with open arms, and I will share nuggets of it as certain moments inspire me to do so. So here are some mantras and epiphanies I am carrying with me as I fully experience wife life, motherhood, spiritual growth, fitness restoration, entrepreneurship and my randomness all at once .

1. I’m not superwoman. I’ll do my best, and let God (and the husband) handle the rest.

2. I cannot take care of my family if I do not take care of myself. I will take time to work out or pray or spend time with myself , when needed.

3. I will not carry work home. It will get done at work or not at all. This is not laziness. It’s called creating boundaries.

4. I will work hard and make sacrifices to create the business that will help take care of my family.

5. I will be kind to myself and forgive myself when I make mistakes or don’t get things right.

6. I will plan ahead and be organized. That’s the hard part. I’m used to living life on the edge.

7. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ( I think I can drop the mic right here. This is all I need. )

To all my working mothers out there, be encouraged. We got this.

Truly yours,

Garesia