We barely have time for today…why would we waste our time looking back? Well, it amazing what you can learn by just looking back a year. This past weekend marked my husband’s (Matt) graduation. He earned his MBA in 18 months. I remember 1.5 years ago, I was terrified and a bit depressed that I was going to have to take care of kids, balance my two jobs , still keep up a home and relationships with friends and family…mostly on my own. The program that my husband enrolled in was a time intensive (every other weekend) program, not to mention the hours at night studying, and speaking with classmates via conference calls. I was going to greatly miss his involvement as he has always been a very hands on kind of Dad.
I was beside myself but KNEW that he had to get this degree. The struggles I encountered seemed, at the time, insurmountable. I remember, many times, sweating as I was trying to get to kids fed, bathed in and in bed at appropriate times….then to wake up and start all over again, alone. (Disclaimer: I had a lot of support from family and friends…but the usual to do’s of the household, were on me, as they should be, as I was the Mom.)
I look back over the past 1.5years and I stand a bit taller. Granted my kids are older now and things would generally be a bit easier with age. However, as Matt and I were looking back when our family began this journey, I realized, I have grown a lot over the past year. I have more confidence in what I am able and willing to do. Things that used to really bother me really don’t anymore. I can not believe I was able to take care of kids, house, and jobs during the weeks that Matt had to be on campus for 6 straight days.
And in the end, we did it! I did it. I look back and even if for a moment, am grateful for the opportunity to gain this confidence. It was brutal while going through this, but now, looking back, it gives me a great feeling of accomplishment…even though I may not get a degree bestowed upon me…I feel just as good.
What challenges were you facing a year ago, that you have conquered? Take today to rest on your laurels and review the progress you have made. As Moms, our lives are speeding by…and time only gets faster as the kids get older. Take today to examine the progress you have made over the last year. Stand a bit taller today, knowing you are growing and improving and making progress…even when time is flying.