I believe that everyone in this world has a “full plate.” Some people’s plates are just larger than others. That is OK. You have to know your plate size and what to add to it and what to not. During different seasons of life some things may be more important than others. For example: In this season I am Coach Cain’s biggest supporter, Calla and Cart’s mommy, teacher to the Cain Crew, and a Gem for Two Hidden Gems. I am also Carley that needs to cook meals for her family, write a blog as a creative outlet, and exercise daily for mental health. That is my plate. It’s rather full. So to keep myself from feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or not really being 100% in anything I do, I have had to learn to say this:

I was recently trying to wrap my brain around why I was feeling like a hamster in a wheel that was spinning and not going anywhere… only gaining exhaustion and fearing my worst fear: burn out. I don’t “love” using the words “stressed/ overwhelmed/anxiety” but if I am being real life…. I feel it. I feel it from time to time. Although I am good at moving on…. I want you to know I feel it.

I tell my students that Mondays are my favorite, then on Tuesday I tell them Tuesday is my favorite, then on Wednesday I tell them Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. I do REALLY LOVE a Thursday. I NEVER tell them Friday is my favorite. Whew, Fridays are fun, but whew. If I’m being honest, Sundays are truly my favorite. I love a fresh day of the week where I can restart and refresh.

Here are some Sunday things we do that help us have an amazing week.

I am REAL big on doing everything in my power to avoid that “burnout” phase of life. If I’m being honest, I fear it. It’s actually one of my most prayed prayer. I always hear, “I was just feeling teacher burnout.” “I was tired of my marriage.” “I was tired of my job.” “I was tired of blah blah blah.” I truly from the pit of my soul fear being “tired.”

I have a slight obsession. It is an obsession with suits. Coach Cain calls them my leisure suits. Calla Cain is 100% NOT a fan of my suits. Instagram asks for links and my true friends send me links when they see a new one. My obsession stated last fall when Meme’s in Perry started selling them. I have since added many to my collection. I will even add that I do wear them to school, and I mix them up with other pieces all the time. Add a pair of Two Hidden Gems, and you are set. (See what I did there.)

My August favorites. Only things that are 100% CCTM approved: that I own, love, and are affordable for every teacher mom.