It’s All Working Out

We came to Chicago last week to spend time with family for the 4th. The plan was to head back to New York on Sunday night. 

However, Sunday afternoon rolled around and we got a text from our wonderful babysitter/nanny, saying she was sick. (She never gets sick!)

Unfortunately, we don’t have any real backup child care in New York since all of our family is in Chicago. 

So, we figured we’d stay in Chicago for the week. I had lots on the agenda, including some meetings and important deadlines. The husband’s schedule? Even busier than mine. 

Decision made…only to find out that most of our family members who love to jump in and babysit here were also not available this week. 

Admittedly, this threw me off my game. 

While I know there are far worse problems in the world, the truth is juggling responsibilities as a parent is never easy. It can often get you all twisted up inside as you try to make the best decision possible for your child and for yourself. 

As I sat trying to figure out whether we should just stay put in Chicago for a few extra days or head back to New York, I found myself feeling annoyed and frustrated. 

Things weren’t going according to my plan! 

I laugh as I write this now, because how often in life do things not go according to our plans? How often do things not work out exactly how we wanted or hoped?

I have news for you. (And for me!) This is a part of life. 

There will likely always be storms that put the kibosh on our perfectly planned out picnics.

The question is, of course: How will you deal with it?

It’s important to tune in and listen to your feelings. It’s the number one rule of life. We have to acknowledge our feelings, whether it’s disappointment, happiness, frustration… 

It’s up to us to not stay stuck in them. 

One thing that helps me move through my feelings when I am frustrated, disappointed, or feel overwhelmed with all there is to do in life, is the following mantra. (Then, of course, I put it to movement.)

It’s all getting done
It’s all working out
I am confident
I release my doubt

Let’s repeat that one more time. Really…say it out loud with me:

It’s all getting done
It’s all working out
I am confident
I release my doubt

As I repeated this mantra to myself the other day, I began to soften and ease up. My mind naturally began to open up to possibilities that would feel good for everyone. 

Ultimately, we did stay put in Chicago. Kwynn got to go to a new camp for an afternoon and has been spending extra time with her cousins.

This simple mantra — combined with some motion — gave me the reframe and the reset I needed to approach this week with grace.

And even get this post written for you. 🙂

I thought maybe you could use it today, as undoubtedly, something won’t go according to plan.

And that’s okay. Because it’s all working out!

In fact, let’s show some solidarity. Comment below with what’s stressing/worrying you — and then immediately after, write in all caps: IT’S ALL WORKING OUT.

Then, say it out loud 🙂

With love,
Erin