The Cozy Cauldron

When you have a family of four—including a barbarian and two goblins—it’s no surprise the house can get pretty chaotic. Working from home doesn’t exactly thrive in that kind of environment. So, I make it a point to tidy up a little every day, even if it’s just a small task.

My office is right in the kitchen, so when the kitchen is messy, my workspace doesn’t feel very cozy. I also have a little TV and a chair set up in there, so I can watch something away from my family when I’m feeling overstimulated. In a way, it’s like a second living room to me.

Honestly, if I don’t clean up, no one else does. My husband works long hours, and while my oldest kiddo helps here and there, they’re not exactly a reliable cleaning crew. And my youngest? Still a toddler. So let’s face it: I’m the momma. I keep the house together. I feed the tiny goblins—and the barbarian.

That’s why, when I wake up early and start my day with coffee, a shower, an audiobook, and a bit of cleaning before work, it’s not just about chores. It’s something I do for me, and it makes all the difference in my day.

This past week, some mornings I woke up late, didn’t give myself enough time, and didn’t put any effort into my outfit—or even attempt to do anything around the house. All of that just added to my already full plate. It made my week more hectic, and in the end, I felt like I was drowning while constantly putting things off.

But I’m learning that some days will be messy and overwhelming, and that’s okay. What matters is that I keep trying, one small step at a time, to find balance and create a little calm in the chaos. After all, this is my life—and I’m determined to make it work for me.