Motherhood. We try to pretend we have it all under control. We feel exalted when everything lines up. Our child wins the school essay content, performs without flaw in the talent show, puts together a beautiful piece of artwork for a school assignment. Perseveres. Creates. Takes risks.

And then, there’s so much we can’t control. No matter how much we try.

The school assignment that was completed, on time, but left on the kitchen counter as the kids were swept out the door. The flu bug that took the soloist out from her class play, the morning of her big performance.

And meanwhile, we are more than just mothers. We have careers, spouses, parents, friendships, networking events, cousins, art projects and so much more that take up our energy as well.

As much as we do our best to maintain our balance amongst everything. It is sometimes, the most we can do, to recognize that we will never be able to keep up with everything, control everything, and do everything the best possible.

We have to choose.

Right now, I’m choosing being there for my kids. I promise you this is not me on my high horse, saying this is the only or even most important priority.