In the quiet of the night, while the world sleeps, our minds can often become the busiest place on Earth. Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, your thoughts racing like a high-speed train, ideas and concerns swirling through your mind like a hurricane? I could have written a book last night with all the thoughts running through my head. I really wish there was a way to capture my thoughts when I lie there in bed and not sleeping. Uhhh, momsomnia. But honestly, I have been so tired and have slept so well lately, it was imminent that sleepless nights were coming.
The phenomenon of "momsomnia" – a term coined to describe those restless nights experienced by moms – is something many can relate to. Perhaps it's the mental to-do lists that keep you awake or the myriad of thoughts that refuse to be silenced, but one thing is certain: these sleepless nights are a common occurrence, especially for those who bear the heavy responsibility of parenthood.
My recent journey into the world of sleepless nights was sparked by a trip to Las Vegas for an industry trade show called IMEX. With over fifteen thousand attendees, the event was nothing short of overwhelming. I made some amazing connections, met people in person for the first time, and even managed to get my daily steps in – and then some. It's hard to pinpoint if it was the exhilarating Vegas energy or the fact that in this city, you have to walk everywhere, but by the end of day one, pure exhaustion had set in.
I vividly remember the evening I got ready for a 70's-themed event. I was head-to-toe dressed up, embracing the retro vibe, and my excitement was palpable. But as soon as I hit the bed, I was out like a light, missing the entire event. Maybe I'm getting too old or perhaps, in reality, I'm just running on empty far too often. The feeling of mental exhaustion has become an unwelcome companion in my daily life, sneaking in with greater frequency. It's a feeling we all encounter sooner or later, and it's the kind of fatigue that can be emotionally draining.
Last night, my brain was abuzz with thoughts of to-do lists and the ongoing quest to "move the needle" in my company. The connections I had made at the trade show needed tending to, social media posts required regular updates, and the technology needed to be seamlessly integrated. The daunting question of "what's next" hung over me, with decisions that only I could make. Should I invest in a new sales strategy, or should I allocate those funds towards upgrading our technology? Should I change my daughter's dance class schedule? What about Halloween and our family's plans for the holiday? Can I squeeze in another conference, and when can we find the time for a well-deserved vacation, and do the kids come with us? My brain was in constant motion, whirring with the demands of a modern life.
This was just another night in the life of a mompreneur – juggling business, family, and personal ambitions. It's a relentless pursuit of balancing dreams and responsibilities, of managing the endless stream of ideas and decisions that keep us awake at night. But, in the midst of it all, there's a beauty to be found in those sleepless nights. They are a testament to the passion and drive that fuels us, a reminder of the value we place on our businesses, our families, and our aspirations.
So, the next time you find yourself lying in bed, thoughts racing at breakneck speed, know that you're not alone. Momsomnia is just another chapter in the book of life, a chapter filled with determination and a constant thirst for progress. And while we may wish for a restful night, there's a certain magic in the sleepless hours – a magic that propels us forward and keeps us dreaming, planning, and evolving.
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