They say perspective is helpful in motherhood, but that’s difficult to achieve unless you’ve been there. Hindsight is 20/20, right? Allow me to share a story that may bestow some perspective to empower you to press the easy button.
Here’s the tricky part: it’s not always easy to press the easy button. Moms are hard-wired for perfection. We bring our families joy, organization, and lots of memories. Doing so isn’t easy! But I’ve found in my three short years as a mom, there have been moments where I could’ve chosen to make things easier on myself (and my family), and I didn’t because I prioritized something that, in hindsight, really wasn’t that important. Here’s an example.
It was my son’s third birthday. I’d set the date, created the Pinterest board, and begun planning the party months in advance.
Up until then, our family had enjoyed in-home birthday celebrations with our children – which was totally appropriate considering the kids are ages three and one. This year, we decided to mix it up and plan my son’s birthday party at a park.
I was so proud of myself for planning what I thought would be the ultimate low-maintenance and fun party. We reserved a park shelter next to one of our favorite playgrounds. We planned to order pizza. My mother-in-law was bringing a cake. What could be easier?
My son couldn’t decide between a Mickey Mouse or a dinosaur party theme. I said, “Por qué no los dos?” (We’re a bilingual family), and thus began my quest to plan the coolest, most low-maintenance dinosaur and Mickey Mouse third birthday park party.
The décor felt important. I wanted it to feel special and exciting for him—not just a casual day at the park. I had a full décor vision, complete with half-and-half Mickey Mouse and dinosaur balloons, garlands, streamers, banners, and more. I made goody bags for the kids. Everything was ordered and arranged days before the event. I was so prepared.
What I did not account for was the 28 mph wind. I knew it could be windy, sure. We’d just anchor everything down. And we had duct tape—no biggie. However, on the day of the party, as my husband and I unloaded decorations from our minivan and walked to the park shelter, I had the stark realization that this may not go according to plan.
I could’ve taken the high road here and stuck with the “chill,” “let’s make this easy on ourselves” vibes I’d intended for the party. I didn’t. I was determined to execute my vision.
We started hanging streamers, which immediately flew everywhere, creating a scattered streamer graveyard across the park grounds. Balloons were popping. Nothing would stay on the table. The wind was just too strong. My husband left to pick up our children, and I remained to try to make the best of what was left.
Again, I could’ve chosen not to worry about it here. Scrap the decorations and just enjoy the day. My son would be thrilled either way. But I’m nothing if not determined, so I continued full steam ahead.
This story ends with me continuing to try to make it work for the next hour, which led to every single balloon popping, every single streamer breaking, and many on-looking families watching me sorrily from across the park.
I cleaned up the mess and waited for guests to arrive.
And guess what? It was still a great party. An awesome party, actually.
Did my son care that we were celebrating in a bare, lackluster shelter? Not at all. He had the best time. As I watched him running and laughing with his friends and being loved on by family, I let my disappointment melt away. I gained a valuable perspective that creating joyful moments has nothing to do with flawless execution.
When in doubt, just press the easy button.
