Some days you kick butt and take names. Some days you wake up early feeling rested & refreshed, your kids are great listeners, and your husband buys you flowers for no reason at all. Some days you do all the things, you please all the people, and you look good doing it.

Other days you hit snooze 4 times, start the day in a tizzy, trip over the dog, sling wet coffee grinds across the kitchen, knock over your coffee cup, stub your toe on the trash can, and drop a four-letter word in front of your slack-jawed toddler. That’s a hard way to start the day, or so I’ve heard. Once you’re in the rut, it can be hard to climb out. You’re spiraling. You need a win and you need it now, girl.

1. Text a friend. It’s simple. You say, “I’m having a bad day, please send me something happy” and then your friends show up. Friends come through with tough love, humor, encouragement, and cute pictures of babies, chicks & puppies. BABIES, CHICKS, AND PUPPIES SOFTEN THE HARSHEST OF MOODS. Pat yourself on the back, you’ve got awesome friends and that is a solid win.
2. Apologize. Apologize to your kid for all the yelling. Apologize to your spouse for picking a fight. Apologize to the dog if you need to. Being unapologetic is on trend right now, and, make no mistake, I’m not telling you to apologize for being you. I’m just saying, if you screwed up and made bad choices that hurt someone else, SAY YOU’RE SORRY. This is not a character flaw or weakness. THIS IS A STRENGTH. Say you’re sorry, mean it, move on, and collect your win, friend.
3. Mark one thing off your list. One thing. The day is nearly over, and it’s been a hot mess. You didn’t accomplish half of what you set out to and you’re in a mood. Maybe you can’t get to all the things today, but you can do one thing. Load the dishwasher, send the email, swap the laundry, pay the bill, read your kid a book, wash your hair. Pick one thing, get it done, and collect your win. The rest will be there when you get to it.
4. Be clear about what you need. Don’t walk around all day with your panties in a twist because you’re doing it all alone and nobody will help. FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU NEED AND THEN EXPRESS IT CLEARLY. It’s easy, let me show you. “Dear husband, I am feeling overwhelmed today and I need…” and then fill in the blank. I need you to put the kids to bed. I need to have an hour by myself. I need chocolate. I need to cry. I need a hug. I need you to take the trash out. Your spouse is not a mind reader. If you identify what you need and ask for it clearly, your chances of catching a break increase dramatically. Congratulations on your maturing communication skills. Here’s your win.

Bad days happen, but you can still grab a win, friend. And if you’re friends are fresh out of cute baby chick pictures– you can always count on me.