Contrary to Popular Belief...

Why I Don’t Have It All Together—and Why That’s OK

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that perfection doesn’t exist.

And as much as I wish I could claim to have it all together—perfectly organized home, perfectly behaved kids, and a perfect marriage—let’s just say… that’s not my reality.

In fact, far from it.

You know the days—when the laundry basket is overflowing, the kitchen sink has a mountain of dishes, and you’re halfway through a parenting meltdown with your kids while trying to keep a smile on your face. Maybe you scroll through social media and see the highlight reels of other moms and think, How do they do it? Why can’t I get it together like they seem to?

Here’s the truth: we’re all just doing the best we can. And embracing imperfection is not only OK, it’s essential.

The Reality of Real Mom Life

As a mom, I often feel the pressure to be the “perfect” parent—the one whose house is always clean, whose kids are always well-behaved, and whose life appears effortlessly organized. But the truth? I’m not that mom. Some days, my kids refuse to put on pants for school, and I lose my patience because the 50th snack request comes in just as I’m about to sit down for a moment of peace. Other days, I drop the ball on a scheduled playdate or forget to respond to a text that should have been answered hours ago.

I’m just like every other mom out there, and honestly, that’s OK.

I’ve come to realize that the more I try to maintain an unrealistic standard of perfection, the more I miss out on the beautiful mess that is my real mom life. Embracing imperfection has been a game-changer for me—and it might just be for you, too.

Parenting Doesn’t Come with a Handbook

When you become a parent, you’re handed a lot of unwritten rules—about how to raise your kids, what milestones they should hit and when, what they should eat, how they should behave in public… it’s a lot. And it’s easy to get caught up in the notion that if you don’t check all the boxes, you’re failing. Trust me, I’ve been there.

But here’s the secret: the most important thing I can give my kids is unconditional love and the ability to see me fail—and get back up again. I’m not perfect, and they know that. But what matters most is that they see me try, they see me apologize when I mess up, and they see me celebrate even the small wins.

Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, being consistent, and learning from the bumps along the way.

A Clean House? That’s a Myth.

I don’t know about you, but I used to think that a clean, perfectly curated home was a sign of a successful mom. I’d stress myself out about the clutter and the chaos, even when I knew there was a much bigger picture to focus on.

But now? I embrace the mess. I’ve stopped apologizing for the cluttered countertops or the laundry pile that seems to multiply overnight. The truth is, no one is judging you for having a less-than-perfect home. And even if they are, it’s time to stop caring.

When I stopped trying to maintain the “perfect” home, I made more room for what truly matters—time with my family, connection with my spouse, and most importantly, time for myself.

Self-Acceptance as a Mom

I used to think that if I was a “good” mom, I would always have it together—my kids would be happy, my marriage would be picture-perfect, and my personal life would run smoothly.

But, spoiler alert: life doesn’t work like that.

Embracing imperfection as a mom means letting go of the guilt that comes with feeling “less than” or like you’re “failing” because things don’t look like the picture-perfect lives we see online.

Every messy moment, every chaotic day, is part of the beautiful journey of motherhood.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or like you don’t have it all figured out, you’re not alone. It’s OK to not have it together—and more importantly, you don’t need to. You’re doing so much better than you think.

A Little Reminder: You’re Doing Great

So, here’s the message I want to leave with you today: It’s OK to embrace imperfection. You don’t need to have it all figured out to be a great mom, partner, or person. You are enough, right here, right now. And the little messes? They’re just proof that you’re living a full, real, and wonderful life.

If you’re reading this and thinking, Wow, that’s me, just know: I see you. I’m in the trenches with you. And we’re all just doing our best—together.

So, stop stressing about the things you can’t control and give yourself the grace to just be. Trust me, you’re doing better than you think.

When we embrace imperfection, we embrace the real beauty of life. And that’s something worth celebrating. So let’s stop chasing perfection and start enjoying the messes, the mistakes, and the moments in between.

You’re doing great. And that’s enough.

XX, Kelleen