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Cary Friberg's avatar

The yearning to be free. The peace and quiet. The breathing and simply being you, Chelsea. It’s all so human and relatable and natural. We simplify each other all the time into neat stereotypical packages. So when someone like you expresses the truth it is very powerful. I hope you keep widening your circle of readers.

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Chelsea Keat's avatar

Thank you, Cary. That's so encouraging and hopeful to hear. I hope so too!

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Ginny Poe's avatar

I really enjoyed this piece. The experience of motherhood is certainly a pendulum of overwhelming love and excruciating tedium. I think it’s important to remind ourselves that feeling overly burdened by the job is natural, and to seek opportunities to replenish our sense of self any chance we get. Caregiving is an inherently selfless act and acknowledging that doesn’t make us into martyrs.

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Chelsea Keat's avatar

Thanks, Ginny. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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Cindy DiTiberio's avatar

Felt this so deeply. I’m on the other side with older kids (and 50/50 custody) so this is no longer my reality but it was for so many years.

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Chelsea Keat's avatar

Thanks, Cindy. I'm glad you're on "the other side." I know I'll get there too. I'm a big fan of your work and your writing!

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Margaret Irribarra Swanson's avatar

Yes! The AirPods and listening to nothing! The satisfaction of closing the car door to pump the gas! I see you mama! I feel you! It’s a lot! Sometimes I opt to unload the dishwasher or cook dinner so I don’t have to be climbed on, clung to or asked “mom, what can I do now!? I’m bored!”

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Cindy DiTiberio's avatar

Same! I would rather cook than mind the kids!

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Margaret Irribarra Swanson's avatar

Absolutely!!!!! I put one AirPod in, watch the news or a show on Netflix and I just cook!

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Chelsea Keat's avatar

Yes, yes, yes! It's all so real and so overwhelming. AirPods to the rescue!

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J Brooke's avatar

This was a fresh read on a familiar topic ! One suggestion, not to rob you of precious “away” time changing cat litter… but self scooping litter boxes changed my life.

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Chelsea Keat's avatar

Thanks, J. I appreciate it! I didn't know self-scooping litter boxes was a thing! Definitely looking into this.

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