What matters is that you're present in THE moments of your life with your kids. That you appreciate life when it's good. And when it doesn't feel as good, you draw on your freeze-frame moments to get you through. Because you recognize that you will come out of it tomorrow, or next week, or next month. And there will be more freeze-frame moments.

Are you taking "photos" of your life so that someday in the future you can celebrate how much has changed? How much you've changed and grown? And are you taking the time to dream about what it is you want to "plant" in your life? Take the photos. Set your intentions. Make progress. Celebrate.

Do you ever think about what kind of relationship you're creating with your kids? Or how they will see you when they're grown? Thinking about the future can be emotional. It is for me. Partly because it’s sad to think of them as no longer my little babies. But also because I know I’m falling short of the big picture and I want to change that.

You were a person before kids, you will be your own person when they're grown, but you're also you're own person now. What do you enjoy? What makes you smile, or sigh, or laugh, or relax? Not sure? Me either, some days.

There is no grade for "getting it right". There is no consequence for choosing incorrectly. There is no time wasted experimenting as you figure out what's important to you. If anything, it's the best way to spend your time.

When you’re so “busy” filling your time, wanting to “check in” by reaching for your phone, or trying to “keep up” with chores by picking up the same toys over and over again, precious time is being wasted. And you don’t even realize you’re doing it. What could you actually do with all that wasted time, to be more productive?

If there's one thing I've learned since becoming a mom, it's that everything changes - kids, jobs, schedules, feelings. And I've also learned that I can figure most things out when they do change. So whether you decide to continue working, to change jobs, to stay home, or go part-time, you will figure it out if it's what you want.

Productivity experts preach about the evils of multi-tasking and how it divides your attention, takes more time to switch tasks, and drains your energy faster than single-tasking. But have they ever met a working mom?!?

Your weeks aren't busy. You're just letting lots of tasks and priorities compete for your attention rather than focusing on what's important.

Do you ever feel like you have to choose between giving your energy to work - throwing yourself into creating results, serving clients, or hitting billable hour quotas - but having nothing left for your family? Or giving your energy to your kids - thinking constantly about them and their needs, being really present and playing, or taking care of all the things for them - but having little left for the work your job requires? Break the cycle.

Don't expect yourself to feel optimistic or capable or grateful if that's not true in this moment. Give your mind something to focus on, distract it if you must, and let your body process everything else.

If “the unknowns” have you worried, here's what I'm trying so that I can take care of myself and my family. Things that are helping me to manage things. Not to eliminate the stress, the anxiety, or the worry (I'll be honest, I don't know if that's possible), but to help me keep some perspective.