I don’t know how your 2026 is going, but so far, mine has been marked by a lot of unexpected events and pivoting. At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, I found myself tired, very frustrated, and exhausted. I am naturally a type A personality and love order, schedules, and predictability. Those things make me feel safe. However, having 3 kids and an aging father is the exact opposite. 😅
For a few years, I’ve often thought, if only “this” – insert fictional situation- would go according to plan, then I could relax and enjoy more of my life. If that person did what I wanted them to do, then things would be significantly better. I was on a walk last year, mulling things over, and out of nowhere, I remembered the Serenity Prayer. My mom used to say it often during my childhood. I hadn’t thought about it in years, but apparently I never forgot it.
God Grant Me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change.
Courage to change the things that I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference.
I was stressed out over something. I don’t remember what, but I found myself saying, “You know, I’m tired of being anxious and worried all the time.” In all my years of stress and worrying, I can tell you that it does not help. It does not fix your problem or give you peace of mind. It usually just exacerbates the issues while simultaneously wearing you out.
A few months ago, my therapist – shout out to therapy – recommended I read Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. The premise of the book is that if there is a situation happening with someone that you cannot control. Let them do what they will do or react how they will react. Accept that it is happening. On the other hand, this does not absolve you from your responsibility. How do you want to behave in the situation? What can you do to take control of your attitude? Let You. The book was not brand-new information to me, but it gave me a lot to think about regarding how I approach a circumstance.
As I write this blog, it is -10 degrees with 5.5” – 6” inches of snow on the ground. School’s closed due to inclement weather. In my unofficial opinion, it will be for the majority of, if not the entire week.
Last year, when it was snowy, and we had a week of no school, I lost it. Not just because I was home with my kids and a little stir crazy. I was also helping my kids with their “AMI” – Alternative Methods of Instruction – booklets to keep up on their schoolwork that we turned in daily, for attendance. Thanks, Missouri. 🤪
I was stressed over them doing their work correctly, and it was not my finest moment as a mother. This year, I’ve prepared myself to calm down over the little things. If they finish their work and nobody’s bleeding, I’m not going to worry about it.
I choose to trust God in whatever comes my way – large or small- and move forward with peace. Starting by taking a deep breath and saying “God grant me the serenity…”