Getting realistic about what can be accomplished in a day has been a game changer. Two, max three, goals especially on the personal (not FT work) side of things. Priorities are clear and I actually accomplish what I need.

It becomes a lot easier to share the load with my partner when I am realistic about what I can accomplish, and deliver within those limits. He's able to jump in, especially within his strengths. More gets done, less stress, more time for rest (no shame in the early bed time!).

By limiting my to do list to just three items a day, I'm learning about how I can work within healthy and realistic boundaries of time and energy. I'm learning that it can take a team to accomplish household tasks. I'm learning to change and adjust. I'm learning to take action.

Where do our own expectations come from? They definitely come from a variety of sources and no single point. I'm glad to be challenging them - why do I have to get everything done right now? I don't. Resetting expectations to be simple is hard work, and well worth it for me.

I've noticed that when I think I have the most time or flexibility, it seems to slip away or be lost to unknown/unseen expectations. Even if I keep the to do list short, scheduling out free time and the tasks all specifically ensures I can get rest and a sense of accomplishment.

Today was a rest day more than accomplishment, and even that feels like an accomplishment!

I'm even scheduling in the fun and restorative activities, just like it is suggested for couples to schedule a date night activity, even at home. The "arts and crafts" time doesn't magically happen, but wow does it feel magical when I am getting a couple sessions in each week.

I notice after arts and crafts time that I have this openness in my mind, like space has been cleared by organizing colorful and adhesive materials with brushes or scissors. Working with the bright and bold colors is a definite point of happiness to go alongside a cleared mind.

My arts and crafts time is decidedly a time to just try things out. I took a mosaic class once which was a great primer, and now I just test out to see what works and what I like. It's taken some mindset work to look at experimenting as the medium itself, not wasting material.

As much as I love and appreciate accomplishments and fun and relaxation that some of my experimentation and learning get me, they still doesn't solve for exhaustion that comes with parenting and full time work. I'm doing the best I can, just like you are. We're finding our way.

This summer four of my STEM career sorority sisters shared their observations on change and transition in the workplace and I'm finally coming back to the project. Can't wait to finish this write up and share what I learned from them! I love this gift of knowing smart women.

In celebrating your friends for non marriage or baby life milestones, what types of gifts have you seen, received, or given? A friend is going to grad school for a career change and definitely deserves some celebration for this move!

I remember how meaningful it was that friends and extended family showed up at my post grad school graduation dinner (or sent congrats) back in 2015 - important that we celebrate each other for big and little occasions and wins

I love this so much - and take it as a reminder that we don't need permission from anyone except ourselves.

What is your favorite book(s) on creativity? I'm craving more after reading Twyla Tharp The Creative Habit!

Excited for UMass Women's Basketball in the NCAA Tourney and UMass Hockey in Hockey East Champs tonight!