25 Comments

Great post, Maria! I agree with so much of what you wrote but mostly with "And there is always, always laundry. But I keep showing up" 😁 From another mom/writer keep going, you're doing great!

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Thank you so much for reading and your kind words of support, Elisa. Isn’t it the truth? The laundry never ends!!😂 I so enjoyed your recent post about your birthday.

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Thank you!! I always feel self-conscious about these "I'll tell you everything you need to know" lists. I'm glad I made it sound not-obnoxious, lol

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Not obnoxious at all. Relatable and refreshing, which is always a plus in my day!

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I love the chart! 📊🧡

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Thank you! A visual record of progress is definitely keeping me motivated.

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Maria, this is beautifully expressed. I feel it, too, the pull from all our roles. Because as we all know, "mom" is about 1000 roles (or more) wrapped up in that one short word.

Love the chalkboard!! And you're right -- whether it's 100 words or 1000 words, it's word on the page. Good for you! Keep going!

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Thanks for reading, Wendy! And for your support :) I’m so glad we’re connected here too ❤️

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And oh wow, thank you so much for the shoutout! I was just scrolling down to restack when I saw it 😂

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Oh it was my pleasure. Thank you for reading, and for the restack!

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“they draw on layers of life experience, and I can’t choose just one.” I relate to this so much! The different aspects of my life are all woven together, not compartmentalized :)

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As always, I look forward to your most recent post. Thank you! Even though I am well-past your age of current, active mothering and managing 'life' with a busy household, I remember those days. I am not a writer, I am an "appreciator" of your stories. You are clear and precise. Good Work!

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Thanks so much, Paulajo. I am very grateful for your company here on Substack!

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Yes yes yes! Thank you. Make the time and TAKE the time. These reminders are so important and motivating. And that chart is fire. xo

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I KNEW you'd appreciate the chart. 🔥😘

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I love how you record your word count on the board! Genius idea and great motivational tool.

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Thank you for reading! It has definitely kept me accountable to my goals.

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I can relate so much with what you have shared here.

Pockets of time are what I call the time carved out for the things I do in a day.

And yes, I rarely find the time. I try to manage.

A good night's sleep is an essential part of my everyday.

I too am picking up pieces of myself that I thought I have lost through the whirlwind of motherhood at this point of my life.

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The “whirlwind of motherhood”—that is the truth, and a beautiful description. I, too, rely on quality of sleep more and more…as my kids stay up later, I go to bed earlier!🤔

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it's so true that showing up is a massive part of all things. Showing up is 89.9% of it! You got this! It doesn't have to be pretty. It just has to BE. I love the whole scaffolding thing. (another post) btw. love you M. Go M go!!!! Also, as a graphic designer I want to give a shout out to your chart and your command of the alternating diagonal hatch marks : )

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You are the best cheerleader, Mer. Stay tuned for more hatch marks. They're coming!

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Thank you for this post Maria! As a teacher and a dad of little ones, I’m inspired by your dedication to the craft of writing. This line really resonates with me: “If anything, the older my children get, the more I realize I must nurture these other pieces of myself.” Oh, and I also love the chart! Happy writing!

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Thank you so much for reading, Jacob! I'm thrilled my writing journey offers even a little inspiration. Teaching and parenting is quite the juggle, no doubt about it. Happy writing to you too :)

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Lovely post, and I ♥️ the chart. Even just a 100 words every day will add up to something great.

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Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Olivia. And for reading!❤️

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