If there were an award for surviving an impossibly hectic week without completely spiraling, I’d like to think I’d be in the running—barely, but still. Between academia, a five-month-old deciding that sleep is an optional luxury, and life demanding I show up in all the ways, I have had to pull from reserves I did not know existed.
Academia in Overdrive: The Balancing Act
Last week was academic chaos. Between in-person lectures, assignments, tests and trying to wrap my head around coursework that refuses to be simple, I found myself drowning in readings and deadlines while also attempting to function as a sane human being. Spoiler: The sane part? Questionable.
There were moments when I stared blankly at my laptop screen, willing it to magically complete my work for me. And when that didn’t happen (because, obviously), I had to power through—often with a baby strapped to my chest because, of course, he decided this was the perfect time to stage a sleep rebellion.
Sleep Regression: The Tiny Dictator Strikes Again
Speaking of sleep rebellion, let’s talk about my darling five-month-old. Once upon a time, he had a somewhat predictable sleep routine. Then, like clockwork, the dreaded sleep regression hit. I thought I had avoided it at four months but mannnnn it hit!! And it hit hard.
The nights have been a blur of wake-ups, feeds, rocking, and bargaining with a tiny human who has no interest in negotiating. The bags under my eyes? Designer. Limited Edition. The level of exhaustion? Spiritual.
There was a moment—somewhere around the third consecutive night of broken sleep—where I considered submitting an official resignation from motherhood (joking… kind of). But then, Mpoomy’s Sunday nuggets floated into my sleep-deprived brain: Be gentle with yourself.
The Reminder: Extending Grace to Myself
I needed to hear that. This week, as I juggled a million things at once, I had to remind myself that I am not a machine. It’s okay if everything doesn’t get done perfectly. It’s okay if I feel overwhelmed. It’s okay if some days, “functioning” looks like simply keeping my head above water.
So, instead of beating myself up for not being on top of everything, I am choosing to celebrate the small wins: Showing up. Pushing through. Finding tiny moments of joy in the madness. And understanding that, like all tough seasons, this one will pass too.
The Ultimate Takeaway
Motherhood, academia, and life’s endless demands will always find ways to collide. Some weeks will be impossibly hard. But in those weeks, the most important thing I can do is be kind to myself, embrace the chaos, and maybe sneak in a nap (or two) when no one is looking.
To every mom navigating sleepless nights, impossible schedules, and the pressure to hold it all together—breathe. You’re doing better than you think. And if all else fails, there’s always coffee… or a really good nap.
Have you ever had a week that made you question everything?
Tell me I’m not alone in this!
Love,
A tired human.
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