Coordinating Chaos: Tips on Surviving the Wackiness of Mom-life

By Alicia Gibson and Raymond Aaron

Momlife is wacky. Between the kids, work, house work, school work, sports, activities.... having a feeling of overwhelm is inevitable. We look at the moms around us and feel inadequate. We see the pictures on social media and feel like everyone else 'gets it'. So what is wrong with us? The answer is - nothing!! Everything that you need to rock the mom life is in you right now - and with a little perspective and some strategies in your big mom purse, you can knock that overwhelm right out.

This book is first, going to help you feel normal and know that you are not in this alone. We are all doing this mom-thing together. It is also going to provide you with a few ideas to consider as we dig into common mom 'hot buttons' like:
Organizing your time,
Managing your schedule
Addressing unrealistic expectations
Setting Boundaries
Dealing with Mindset and Fears of Inadequacy

With real life examples of just how hilariously ridiculous the juggling act can be, this book breaks down the things that hold us back as moms and provides some practical tips that can help us survive (and enjoy!) coordinating the chaos of mom-hood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781772773613

Book preview

Praise for Coordinating Chaos

In Coordinating Chaos Alicia Gibson pours out her passion for all Moms to make sense of the busyness of family life with practical ways to be the best Mom they can be. Her book is funny, practical, and SO relatable for today’s Mom managing all the chaos of family life. Alicia knows since she is a Mom of five children herself. Of course I love her tips on Organizing because that brings out the best and easiest way to prevent and preserve calm at home when everyone pitches in. A must read for all Moms!

Marcia Ramsland

The Organizing Pro

and author of Simplify Your Life: Get Organized & Stay that Way! www.OrganizingPro.com

I’ve had a front row seat to watching Alicia ‘Coordinate Chaos’ for years: as a High School Teacher, as a Cheer Coach, and as a Wife & Mother. Being a ‘Mom’ is the hardest job in the world. That’s why I’m confident that any Mother, no matter who they are or where they’re from, will feel known, be encouraged, and get some practical help in coordinating the chaos in their own home, in this book!

Todd Tolson

Pastor, Riverview Community Church

and author of The Church Playbook

Parenting can make anyone feel unprepared, inadequate, and unqualified for the job. In Coordinating Chaos, Alicia Gibson provides the antidote to the shame and unworthiness of feeling bested by all of the personal, professional, church, and family demands you may be under. In the pages of this book you will find reasons to hope, reasons to press on, and reasons to find joy amidst the chaos of motherhood. You will also find down-to-earth, mom-tested, mom-approved ideas to apply to your own brand of chaos. Do you want more than just parenting philosophies? Do you need practical advice for surviving each day? Alicia Gibson is an encouraging cheerleader and a dependable guide.

David Edward Cummings, Ph.D.

Author of Everybody's Got Bears: Bravely Facing Down Stress, Anxiety, and Depression to Find an Abundant Life in Christ

Alicia's witty humor and relatability make this book a must read! With five kids and a ton of responsibility, Alicia has learned through trial and error how to maximize time, enjoy the unplanned and spontaneous moments, and put systems in place to manage the chaos. All moms are looking for fellow sojourners in this great adventure called motherhood, and Alicia's book will not only offer you a co-journerer, but also a trustworthy, reliable friend who gives you the tools you're looking for to thrive!

Christine Passmore, M.Ed.

Academic Dean, Alliance International Academy

Coordinating Chaos: Tips on Surviving the Wackiness of Mom-life Gibson, Alicia

Published by: 10-10-10 Publishing Markham, Ontario

Copyright © 2020 by Alicia Gibson

First 10-10-10 Publishing paperback edition May 2020

No part of this publication may undergo reproduction, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise.

The content of this book is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. You understand that the intention of this book is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed practitioner. Please consult with your physician or healthcare specialist regarding the suggestions and recommendations made in this book. The publisher and the author make no guarantees concerning the level of success you may experience by following the advice and strategies contained in this book, and you accept the risk that results will differ for each individual. The use of this book implies your acceptance of this disclaimer.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

ISBN: 9798644321209

eISBN: 978-1-7727736-1-3

Cover Photography by Alisia Martinez

Design and Formatting by Publishkick, LLC.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 Calling all Chaos Coordinators

#itsfine

No one has it Together

The Easy Way and the Quick Fix

Let Yourself off the Hook

The Monotony Suck

Chapter 2 You are an Organizer

Not Everyone Loves to Organize??

Emotional Barriers

The Breakthroughs

A Few More Strategies

MOM – HOMEWORK

Chapter 3 You Make your own Time

Schedule your Time or it will Schedule You

Priority Filter

The Pit of Overwhelm

Tips on Reigning it In

Mom Time IS a Thing

MOM – HOMEWORK

Chapter 4 You can Control your Control-freak

Give it up, Girl!

You Don’t Gotta do it All

Ask for Help

Put the Kids to Work

MOM-HOMEWORK

Chapter 5 You Draw the Lines

Boundaries Matter

Drawing my Boundaries

What’s your Limit?

Help your Kids

MOM-HOMEWORK

Chapter 6 Systems are your Friend

No Surprises

Get Everyone on Board

Routines

What’s Worked for Me

MOM-HOMEWORK

Chapter 7 Expectations, Schmexpectations

Who Said?

Kids do Weird Things

Life is Between the Instagram Posts

What your Fam Thinks

MOM-HOMEWORK

Chapter 8 You are Perfect for the Job

You Got the Skills

Mindset Shifts

Words have Power

Affirm the Truth

Your People were Given Specifically to You

Your Mental Well-Being

MOM-HOMEWORK

Chapter 9 Your Body is your Greatest Asset

Water Water Everywhere

Eat Thoughtfully

Get your Beauty Sleep

Move your Bod

Do it Together

MOM-HOMEWORK

Chapter 10 You aren’t Alone, Chick!

Mom Tribes

God’s got You

Oh! I Almost Forgot…

About the Author

This book is dedicated to each and every

mom that opens these pages.

You are amazing.

You are seen. You are valuable.

You are changing lives, making an impact,

and leaving a legacy

Foreword

Dear Reader...

Mom life is busy, hectic, and overwhelming. How do you handle it all? How can you schedule your time more effectively? How can you find joy in the middle of the chaos? How can you become the mom that you were designed to be?

You have all the skills and abilities you will ever need to be the best mom you can be, you just need to learn how to tap into those resources.

In the book Coordinating Chaos, you will learn to identify the areas in parenting life that cause that feeling of overwhelm to rise up and how to implement simple, straightforward tips and tricks that will lead you to creating a life that is fuller, more joyful, and more purposeful.

Alicia’s book closes the gap with an effective system to not only have more time, but to get more things done with clarity. You not only learn the system but also learn how to support your emotions through this down to earth, relatable and authentic book.

Impactful and powerful, this book will help you recognize the gifts and skills you already have inside you. It will then teach you to utilize those gifts, to make and more significant impact with your children, in your home, and in designing the future you want for yourself and your family.

Being seen, heard and understood is one of the greatest gifts that can be given to you. In Coordinating Chaos, Alicia shows you that you are understood. You are normal. You do have a support system to help you get through the trials and tribulations of being a mom.

I highly recommend Alicia and Coordinating Chaos, from one parent to another, and know you will find value and insight that will improve your life.

This is the must have essential guidebook for any busy mom.

Raymond Aaron

New York Times Best Selling Author

Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

Acknowledgments

This book is all about mom-life, so I need first to acknowledge my five sweet little sugars who made me a mom, Drew, Caite, Easton, Fisher, and Hank. Without these little humans, I would not know how amazing - and wacky - being a mom can be. They truly are at the heart of everything I do in life and everything I want to do in the future. I love you all more than life itself. Thank you for the adventures, the stories, and the chaos - I can’t picture my life in any other way.

I also want to thank my cute honey, Brandon Gibson. You have always been so gracious about my visions for the future and been there in my corner as I pursue those goals. I would not have been able to accomplish writing this book without your support, love and encouragement, and of course, keeping the kids occupied so I could write. I am so thankful to be doing this parenting thing with you and I cannot wait to see all the fabulousness our future holds.

I also want to thank my parents. You told me my whole life that I could do anything I wanted, and that set me up for dreaming big and taking steps to move toward my goals. Also, thank you for showing me God’s love and establishing that truth in my heart. That seed of truth has grown and is what helps me to truly trust that the Lord is faithful and has amazing things planned.

To my family and extended family, thank you for your constant support - with the kids, with our busy lives and with the love you all have for our family of seven. We are so lucky to have such a strong, loving group of family members. Your uplifting support has been such a comfort as we move forward in our lives and endeavors.

To my incredible publishing team at the Raymond Aaron Group and my publisher and mentor, Raymond Aaron: Without you, this book would still be just a dream in my heart and an item on my bucket list. You provided me with the plan, the system, and the support to get the message in my heart out into the world. The tireless dedication you provided in helping me through the entire process was immeasurable and I am forever grateful. I am looking forward to working with you again in the near future.

I also owe a profound amount of gratitude to the incredible support system I have found in my Plexus team, and my beautiful teacher friends from Helix. I didn’t know how life changing working for the right place could be until I met all of you. Because of you, I have learned how to pursue my goals, to get rid of my scarcity mindset, embrace the abundance God has planned for me and to never let the negativity of others make me think less of myself. It is with all honesty I say that without you, I would not be the confident woman I am today.

I need to thank the incredible extended support system, found in my social media friends. What a phenomenal opportunity for support and connection from so many different people. Though our communication may be electronic, through messages and comments, I still feel your love and encouragement in full force, and it truly makes such an impact in my life. The connections with friends, old and new, no matter the distance, or the busyness of life, is something I hold so dear and the digital support can still be felt through the computer screen. It truly helps propel me forward as I run towards my goals. Thank you.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge and thank, with all the love in my heart, my sweet mom friends. You amazing mommas support me, no matter what, and help push me forward in chasing my big ol’ dreams. Your encouragement and honesty - even if I didn’t want to hear it- have helped me to become a stronger person and I appreciate you all more than I could express in words. I am so incredibly honored to do life with you and so much more grateful that God brought such amazing women into my life

Chapter 1

Calling all Chaos Coordinators

It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.

- Donna Karan

#itsfine

What is your hashtag for life? I mean, if you had to assign a hashtag that summed up your life in one short, run together phrase, what would it be? There are tons to choose from. We see them all the time attached to fun pics of moms in cute exercise outfit, laughing with their kids in their gorgeous kitchen - #tooblessedtostress #messyhairdontcare #nohoodlikemotherhood. Mine is #itsfine.

I really truly say that at least 20 times a day. My two middle boys get in a fight over who gets to play with a very specific Fortnite toy, even though we have like 9,000 other toys - #itsfine. My daughter decides that right when we are all getting in the car for dinner is the perfect time to make an outfit AND hairstyle change - #itsfine. My teenage son takes 40 minutes to wake up for school, then spends 15 minutes making a sandwich, which puts us 10 minutes late out the door - #itsfine.

You get it. Really what it's fine translates into is - this situation is kinda nuts, and kids do wacky things, but I'm gonna keep on truckin' and not let this add stress to my life.

This definitely wasn’t always my motto, though. When my teenager, my oldest, the sweet apple of my eye (yah, there’s a little sarcasm in there) was little, we had 'ideas' about what was best. Of course, we did! Don't we all have these grandiose ideas of what motherhood will be like and how we will parent when we have our first kid? At this time, also, my husband was very... well, let's say, particular to put a nice spin on it...about