I received a nice compliment the other day from someone regarding how I’m “doing it all.” And that got me thinking a bit about what exactly does that mean. And I guess if I’m someone you consider “doing it all,” that would mean that I’m fitting inside what you define “doing it all” to be.

All of that to say, I think the phrase “doing it all” absolutely depends on what you define “doing it all” to be. I think someones definition can be wildly different from someones else’s and I think that’s absolutely beautiful and something to celebrate, not use to compare your lifestyle to someone else’s. I ended up chit chatting a bit with this person, taking the compliment, but then just redirecting because I don’t want anyone to use my content or way of life as a comparison tool. I like sharing my life for the exact opposite reasons, to share the magic of life and if you’re a mom- to hopefully inspire you to bring magic into your own life as well as your children’s and not to feel guilty about it!

SO, circling back, do I think that by my own definition, that I am doing it all? Yes, absolutely. I don’t want to sound braggy or annoying about it, but I do go to bed at the end of every day (mostly) feeling accomplished. I’m a very type A person (could be a pro, could be a con to some- for me it’s a pro), so I love working full time, balancing the kids schedules and activities, and then still hitting my workout and reading goals on the side! If I didn’t have the personality traits that I have, I don’t think I would enjoy the hustle and bustle so much, but honestly I do.

OF course there are days where work is a little more stressful which then makes other things run less smooth, but I do my best to compartmentalize things- if I had a tough day at work (it happens), I make sure that when I get in the car to get my kids, that part of my day is done and closed. I don’t bring that home. When I’ve picked up my kids, I’m mom and that’s it, and my drive is solely there.

I do also want to mention, that I’m only “doing it all” about 4 days a week. The other 3, my husband is in it with me and I have support for pick ups, drop offs, etc. To answer that question over here – my husband works 12 hour shifts 4 days a week, so those 4 days, are solo mom days for me. AND here’s where I’ll let you in on a little secret- if cooking meals for your family is part of your criteria to feel like you’re doing it all- I am most definitely not. I’ll cook some pasta and meatballs or burritos, or tacos occasionally, but I DO NOT COOK. I find it extremely daunting and would rather order take out than even attempt to cook anything that just might give me food poisoning. SO guess what, my husband meal preps for us before he goes on shift, I have Little Spoon meals on hand always, and then if there’s something my kids want occasionally- we’ll get take out- mainly if my husband ends up getting a bunch of overtime and I myself am feeling like a little treat lol.

For me, the concept of “doing it all” is great if that’s what drives you and can be used as motivation in a positive light, for me it keeps the bar moving and drives me to be better. But if the phrase is making you feel down or like you’re not doing enough, then f*&k it. Literally waking up and getting ready for the day is “doing it all.” Drinking enough water every day for me is tough, so I definitely fail on that sometimes, so if you’re at least hitting your daily water intake, by my definition, you’re doing it all.

All of this to say, thank you for the compliments, but we are all literally doing it all each and every day!