Last night there was a flurry of activity in my home. I was packing to teach a night course, watching the Nationals game, and making sure everything was in order for Sean to hang out with the kids for the evening. I felt a little frazzled as I went through my mental checklist before leaving, but paused as I realized something important.
My life is in a much better place than it was a week ago.
At precisely the same time last week, I was preparing to teach a class with Sean again on kid duty. It was also a flurry of activity, but as I drove to school last week, Sean talked to me on the drive about how everything was going to be okay. I was in tears, feeling behind and overwhelmed.
What a difference one week and hard work can make.
Last week:
- I was not finished with a guest post due to a writer that day. I would work on it when I returned from teaching at 10:30 that night.
- A huge work project was proving to be a much bigger undertaking than I had expected, which I realized would involve the weekend to complete it.
- The kitchen was a disaster.
- Dinner for Sean and the kids was not prepared.
As I left for school last night, I realized:
- The guest post due to a different writer this week was submitted one day early.
- The work project was completed successfully Sunday night.
- The kitchen was clean and organized.
- Dinner for everyone was in the fridge.
Earlier this week I wrote about being frustrated by my limitations as a single mom. I still believe my cape belongs on a hook instead of my back, but it’s important to recognize I accomplished some heroic feats in the last seven days. Would I be happier if I had accomplished even more? Sure, but I won’t allow those negative, perfectionist-driven thoughts to take away my “win” last night.
What a great song for Song of the Week this week: Five for Fighting “Superman (It’s Not Easy).”
Wear your cape and wear it proud, Kelly. You have to realize that in your case, you don’t need it to fly. You do that all on your own. You should think of it more as a badge of pride for all the schedule challenges you overcome, the smiles you bring to the faces of your friends and family, the writers and bloggers and businessmen/women you enable through your example and facilitation, the students you teach, the clients you make successful.. The kids you raise. You give so much and ask for so little. You deserve the cape. You own the cape.
Celebrate. You earn it every single day.
Your love and support made many of my “wins” possible in the last week. Thank you for all that you bring to my life, Sean.
For what it’s worth Kelly, when I see your name pop up on my RSS reader, facebook or twitter, I always picture you in a cape. I think you get an amazing amount done, and I’m in awe of how you manage it all… or maybe jealous would be a better word. 🙂
You are sweet for leaving this comment, Heather. Thank you! I am trying each day, falling short, and then attempting again. Somewhere in the cycle, progress is made.
I tried to convince anyone who read my comment last time that Kelly and any of the rest of us single parents should wear the cape and feel like we’ve earned it, all the time. I still feel that way. I’m glad you guys have each other to lean on, and build up, and everything else 🙂
I did take note of your opinion we are wearing capes for our heroics. I appreciated the positive message. Thanks again for the reminder, Sean.
Kelly, you’re awesome! I’m just impressed that you didn’t cancel class last night in favor of the Nats game. But making dinner, leaving the kitchen clean and getting your stuff in on time. . .you’re my hero.
Thank you, Louise. Since departing the week before was a disaster, I needed a win!
Love the motion and attitude you showed last night!! Getting all the stuffs done on time is never been an easy job.
Hats off Kelly 🙂
Thanks, Olivia! It was good to take that moment to recognize my accomplishments. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves.