The Invisible Load of Motherhood is Real...and I'm Burnt Out!
The invisible load of motherhood is real (google it...it's a thing!). It's more than just managing the endless list of tasks that keep a household running; it’s the emotional and mental energy of remembering, planning, organizing, and making decisions for everyone in the family. This load falls disproportionately on the default parent (typically the mom), leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched thin - wondering which way is up!
Over the past fifteen years, life has been a whirlwind. Kids' activities, work demands, and major life changes—new jobs, selling our first home, navigating a global pandemic, virtual school, living with in-laws, moving into a new home, and even surviving a derecho. There was no space or energy to create routines or structure. I was constantly reacting, saying "yes" to everything while ignoring my own needs. The busier life got, the more I felt stuck in survival mode—just putting one foot in front of the other to get through each day.
The invisible load of motherhood is real, and it's not going away anytime soon, but so is the strength we have to step out of survival mode and put ourselves at the top of our to-do list. It can be simple things like saying “no” when we need to, asking for help, and making a little time for ourselves.
I know I'm not alone and my village has been helping me stay on track. Motherhood is hard, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being. Be kind to yourself, and remember: taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to everyone who depends on you.
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