Sanity Check — The Laundry Knob Society

I recently attended a retreat in Indianapolis hosted by the fantastic podcasters at NapTime Radio called Sanity Check 2016. Over the weekend, I met a diverse group of moms from around the country searching for the same thing. Sanity.

Each of us craved a reminder of our original selves - as well as the relief from the pressures of parenthood. All of us were women first, moms second.

For just a weekend, we wanted to have less responsibility, less worry, and more freedom to pee in private. We needed a safe place to swear without poisoning little ears. We wanted to talk over an extended brunch about ugly politics, challenging careers, or past relationships. Some took the opportunity to stay out late. Some just went to bed early. There was no judging.

These moms were not reckless in their pursuit of a weekend away. I saw moms repeatedly calling home to ensure the carpool was organized and the kids were fed. I’d argue these moms were taking more responsibility by attending to their own sanity. We moms need to put on our own oxygen masks on before helping others. No one works harder than a mom. No one should play harder.

The sliver of original bricks at the Indy 500

On Saturday, the NapTime Radio team scheduled a tour of the Indy 500 speedway. We learned that the original bricks of the racetrack were worn down over the years and replaced with new concrete. Yet the track owner kept a sliver of bricks exposed as a reminder of the history of the race. In the Indy 500, the driver who wins the race is encouraged to kiss the original bricks as a symbol of victory.

I could relate to that track. I remain strong and resilient in the face of repeated wear and tear as a mom. But just when the race feels too long, I come across that sliver of my own original bricks.

Sanity Check 2016 reminded me that I could embrace my original self every once in a while. There is no winning or losing in the race of motherhood. There is just victory in being vulnerable and honest. As moms, we need sanity. And as women, we need each other. Sanity – check!