Hi,
It’s the time of year that is oh so busy— cleaning the chometz crumbs and eliminating it completely, running around to a million errands, outfitting the entire clan for a new season, turning over the kitchen and cooking up Yom Tov meals and desserts, all while taking care of the entire family and having all the kids home most of the time – or at least it feels that way.
Wow, this list is making me dizzy already .
Allow me to share a little secret. I’ll keep it short enough to read while you’re waiting for your daughter to bring home a new bottle of Mr. Clean and while answering her phone calls from the grocery and hardware stores. (No, we don’t need more gloves. Yes, the yellow one has the best scent. Which size? hold on…)
I will start with this picture I recently came across.
(Prepared foolproof chicken-coating-step-by-step-instructions)
Realize how this clever wife prepared it in a way that even a confused husband can pull it off.
Realize the power of breaking a task down to the details, leaving no place for questions.
Realize the power of planning to perfection.
When everything is prepared thoughtfully, there is less room for confusion, fewer mistakes, and far more confidence in getting it done well. Breaking a job into small, detailed steps makes it feel manageable and clear instead of stressful and overwhelming.
Think about those heavy days ahead and plan with purpose.
- What day will be the heaviest?
- What can I do BEFORE Bedikas Chometz?
- What must I leave for Erev Pesach?
- How can I plan in advance to stay on time to nap before the zman?
- How will I serve the Suedas in the most practical way for myself, my family, and guests?
- How can I ensure that all kids are actively part of the Seder and the Haggadah?
Here are 3 practical ideas on how to plan with purpose:
- Identify the pressure points first: Ask yourself which moments will be the busiest or most stressful, and focus your planning on those moments first.
- Do early what does not need to wait: Anything that can be prepared ahead of time should be taken care of before the busiest day or heaviest hour arrives.
- Break big jobs into small steps: Instead of thinking about everything at once, separate each task into clear, sequenced steps (Yes. Clear enough for our husbands to follow 😉) so there is less confusion and more calm.
But hey, PAUSE! 🛑
As mothers, we must plan with purpose, pouring our hishtadlus into each detail with clarity and intention.
And then?
Surrender the rest to Hashem. Do your part, carry on with strength and calm, and remember that even the roadblocks have been placed there with purpose.
Because this Pesach will be gone by April 10. And all you will want is for your family to remember it as a chag of calm and joy.
Wishing you the clarity to plan well and the serenity to release what you cannot control.
Enjoy every moment,
Rachel Gluck