How to Survive Maycember
Happy Maycember!
The month that rivals December in the number of activities, events, and commitments. IYKYK.
This is the time of year when everyone realizes that it’s almost the end of the school year and so we rush to fit all the things into the calendar while also juggling the holidays and other events that are fixed in May.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Mother’s Day
End-of-year performances and recitals
Spring sports tournaments
Last day of school
Prep for summer camp and vacations
Memorial Day
And more!
But unlike December, May is sneaky.
It doesn’t have the same reputation and so it often catches you off-guard. You think you have time.
But then, blink, it’s almost Mother’s Day and all the good restaurants are booked.
And blink, it’s the night before Teacher Appreciation Day and you’re at the grocery store grabbing a gift card so your kid doesn’t go to school empty-handed.
It’s a marathon of a month with a lot to remember. So how do you make it through without completely exhausting yourself?
I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m borrowing some of the strategies I use in December to create an intentional holiday season and applying them here:
What do you want to remember?
Think about all the potential small moments and memories in advance and how you want to feel.
Be specific with the memories so you can feel in advance the excitement, celebration, appreciation, and love that you’re going to experience amidst the busyness.
The memories and feelings that you solidify for yourself in advance will be your lighthouse and anchor throughout the month as you decide your priorities.
For example, I want to remember my daughter’s face when I hand her flowers after her dance recital. My mom’s hug when I tell her Happy Mother’s Day. The way it feels to cheer on my son at his last soccer game. Those things all point me back to appreciation and celebration.
Make quick decisions.
Don’t waste time researching, figuring things out, or looking for the best option. Just decide and decide early so that you can free up mental space and energy.
You’ll be able to enjoy so much more if you don’t have loose ends and unmade decisions hanging over your head.
For anything that you can’t decide right now, create a “To Decide” list and set aside time to batch your decision-making.
For example, I made a list of all of the gifts we need for this month from Mother's Day and Teacher Appreciation to birthdays and anniversaries and tomorrow, my husband and I are sitting down to decide what we're getting each person. This weekend I'll place all of the orders or run the errands and be done with it in one swoop. Next year, I'll start earlier!
Everything is a choice.
As much as it sometimes feels like you “have” to do certain things, the truth is you could say no.
Take a minute to think about why you’re doing or participating in these different events in May.
For everything you’re doing, choose to do it by recommitting or opting out.
For example, Teacher Appreciation Week often feels like an obligation. This year I’m choosing to participate because I’m sure it’s fun for the teachers and I want to show them how much they mean to me.
Take notes for your future self.
Part of why May catches us off guard is that we forget. We forget from year to year how much goes on in this one month.
So do your future self a favor and take some notes.
What worked? What didn’t? What caught you by surprise? What do you wish you had said no or yes to? What do you wish you had started earlier?
Save an event in your calendar next April to review your notes and prep yourself mentally and practically.
And if all else fails, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.
It’s a crazy month, but it’s also a super fun one.
Make your choices. Make your decisions early. And then relax and let it be a ride.
My tips for working moms are helping 500+ women create their own version of work-life balance. Get them in your inbox.