Listen to the Pgh Dreamer’s Pod: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/meghan-greenwood/episodes/Get-Your-Sh-Together-e28c0mp

As I see the litany of school-related emails, I can’t help but start to feel overwhelmed. It’s only natural. We just made it through another fast, 3-month-long summer in which we said ‘no’ to the majority of extracurricular activities and enjoyed more spontaneity. But the second I think of my upcoming packed calendar, I want to bury my head in a book and pretend that I don’t have to be the employee/chauffeur/domestic/parent every.single.day.

Sigh.

But, I will do it. And I will do it smarter and efficiently. Planning is key.

I use a combination of calendars to ensure that all of our ducks are in a row.

I utilize conveniences such as online grocery orders to make sure there is food in the house.

I am constantly asking ALEXA to create lists.

I ask people far in advance to help out with childcare.

And I make sure to pencil in time to keep myself sane.

With a big dose of understanding, I plan each month. Things will not always work out. Events and tasks will fall through the cracks. When we can’t pivot, we have to admit it and move on. And if it’s all too much, before the start of next month, we need to make more adjustments.

No matter what, I will get this family’s shit together. And you can too.