Darkness To Laughter

If you’ve stumbled into my little corner of the internet, welcome! Today, I want to share a bit about my journey—a rollercoaster ride, if you will—through the ups and downs of mental health while also managing the delightful chaos of parenting five energetic kids. Buckle up, because this ride isn’t just about the struggles; it’s also filled with laughter, gratitude, and a touch of relatable mayhem!

Finding My Light in the Shadows

There was a time when I felt weighed down by some dark clouds. Life threw me some curveballs, and to say I was struggling would be an understatement. But thanks to the incredible people I have around me—my family, friends, and work colleagues—I've started to climb out of that shadowy place, one brave step at a time. 

I’m sure many of you can relate—there are days when getting out of bed feels like a monumental task. But here I am, battling my very own “screaming psycho toddler” each morning over the tiniest of things (like the colour of their cereal bowl). But you know what? I’ve learned to embrace the chaos. If my toddler insists on a green bowl when they are clearly supposed to use blue, so be it! Let’s not sweat the small stuff, right? 

The Supermom Myth

Some people might be sitting there thinking, “What on earth does she have to complain about? She chose to have five kids!” And yes, I do have five (wonderful, chaotic, lovable, loud) kids. It’s like having a daily front-row seat to a live comedy show where everything is slightly off script. There’s laughter, there are arguments over who gets to sit where at dinner, and of course, there’s the delightful tendency of my youngest to turn the living room into a battlefield filled with toys... and occasionally snack debris.

Now, you might be wondering how I juggle being a mom, running a household, and working full-time. The answer? A solid dose of gratitude for my support network and a sprinkle of chaos management! Seriously, I couldn’t do it without the amazing people in my life. Even just a simple text from a friend can boost my day.

The Daily Struggle is Real, But So is the Love

Yes, I still struggle every day. But here’s the thing: I’m learning that even amidst the chaos, I can find joy and humour. The messiness of life, especially when parenting, can be overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. I want my children to look back one day and say, “Mom did it! She made every crazy day count.” 

I hope they know just how much they are loved—and how much I worked to provide for them both mentally and physically. In this long journey, I’m striving to be the kind of mom who shows them that it’s okay to struggle and that it’s important to reach out for help when needed. 

Laughing Through the Hard Times

So, let’s embrace all the ups and downs together! Whether you’re wrestling with multiple children over dinner plans, navigating the chaos of working from home (with kids interrupting every conference call—because why not?), or facing your own mental health battles, remember that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and sometimes laughter is the best medicine. 

Let’s keep supporting one another, sharing our stories, and finding the joy in the little moments! I’m grateful for every soul who has helped lift me up. And who knows, maybe one day, after all the toys are put away and the toddler is finally asleep, we can all look back and appreciate just how far we've come. 

Sending love and laughter your way! 

Keep shining mamas! You’ve got this!

FiveKidsOneMom ✌🏼