I have heard it ten times or more, the age-old question: “How do you do it all?”
Part of me feels very proud to hear these words. Two small kids and I'm still out and about, but do I really have it all together? That would be a big fat NO! I think that those who look like they have it together are usually the ones where it's completely falling apart. The grass is not always greener on the other side, let me tell you that for nothing.
I rarely ask for help or tell people that I'm struggling. How I deal with it is by throwing myself into project after project and usually I keep going until I crash. I'm not running from my problems but I am definitely the type of person that needs other things to focus on when life is getting tough. I like to keep busy and I like to have a million and one things to do. That's just me.
On social media we show our best bits like family walks and sunny days. I rarely post pictures on the days when my top is stained with vomit and my hair has yet to be brushed, or the days when the two kids are on a crying rotation, the bin is full to the brim with nappies and there's not a drop of milk in the fridge for coffee. These are the kind of days we all have. I have no doubt about that and if we fail to remember that everyone has those days, it can make life pretty tough.
I go out for coffee, date nights and girly lunches. What comes before that or afterwards is rarely photographed. These are the boring bits in between. People tell me that things seem to be so easy for me but I'm telling you now that, although I absolutely love my maternity leave and this precious time with my babies, it is by no means easy.
Life is not effortless and it's not always fun, but I am enjoying every minute of it. I am trying to do as many things as possible because I know this time is precious. September is fast-approaching and I will be returning to work and these lovely days out will be whittled down to the weekends, when and if we can muster the energy between work and daily life to go to the seaside or the playground. Ollie is at the age (2½ years old) where he is taking it all in. He is such a sponge and just loves going places like granddad's farm and the football pitch. As far as I'm concerned, the housework can wait, I'm enjoying time I will never get back.
I am here, loving life and living my dream, but you should never forget that it's not always easy despite how it looks.
Louise Bruton is a mum-of-two and a personal styling consultant. She has been documenting her journey through pregnancy and motherhood in her blog, All Things Lovely. You can also check out her Facebook page here.
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