When I take a moment to reflect on what currently makes my day feel like a success, I realize that it isn’t much actually. Here is the list I came up with:
- A good night’s sleep
- A baby that naps and nurses well throughout the day
- A walk outside with the baby
- Good play time with the baby — usually involves trying something new with her
- An opportunity to read a little
- An opportunity to write a little
- Watching a bit of TV
- A chance to workout
- Household errands (e.g., do laundry or vacuum, grocery store)
- A chance to do some future-oriented planning (appointments, courses to take, vacation, etc.)
- Once a week time to myself to get a massage, take a lesson, or get out into the world in some way
Even if I read or write for 10 minutes a day, complete a 20 minute workout at home, and take 15 minutes to focus on tasks beyond today–that’s my future-oriented planning–I will feel great. The point is that during this season of my life I don’t need to read for hours or spend half a day planning my next vacation to feel accomplished. A little bit goes a long way–as long as I am consistent at doing the little bit regularly.
The problem is that there are items on my list for a successful day that are totally beyond my control. A good night’s sleep is never guaranteed and a baby that naps and nurses well is a constant work-in-progress. To avoid frustration, I try to focus on what I can do to help everyone sleep and eat well. I can consistently and patiently offer my baby an opportunity to nap. I can offer her an opportunity to nurse often and under different circumstances. If this fails, I can use a breast pump to offer her milk by bottle and to ensure I have good supply for the next time we try to nurse.
Another thing to keep in mind is that on most days I won’t be able to get all of the ingredients in order; but getting as many of them right as possible will make for a pretty fulfilling day.
