Stress and forgetfulness have a way of showing up together — especially when life refuses to slow down.
The Drop-the-Ball Days: Why Stress Brain Is Worse Than Pregnancy Brain
My daughter finally goes back to school after a week of hand, foot, and mouth sweeping through the classroom. Victory! I get her there, only to realize I’ve forgotten her bag. Back home I go, and then back to school to drop it off — before even heading to the office.
I’m driving along, two exits past my office, when I realize I’ve missed it. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again. Except I do. Two more times.
Conference Call? What Conference Call?
“Isn’t it on your calendar?”
Yes. Yes, it is.
And I still missed it.
The Appointment That Was (Sort Of) in the Calendar
“Donny, we have to get to the doctor by 9:00 a.m. We have to leave earlier than usual.”
I’m feeling on top of things — even pulling up directions to the doctor’s office. I swear I put this appointment in the calendar. And I did. Sort of.
Turns out I had the time right — for the following Monday. The actual appointment today? It’s at 12:30 p.m. Not 9:00 a.m.
We’re already out, too far to turn around, so we kill three hours and call it a win.
But Did He Eat?
At the doctor’s office, I get a message from Parker’s teacher:
“Did Parker eat breakfast? He says he’s hungry and didn’t eat.”
My husband remembers feeding him a Kind bar. I remember cleaning it up. But what about the protein shake? Did that happen? Who’s feeding the kids these days?
Stress and Forgetfulness: Why Stress Brain Beats Pregnancy Brain Every Time
This level of forgetfulness reminds me of pregnancy brain — but honestly, pregnancy brain has nothing on cancer stress brain.
Despite all my lists, reminders, and alarms, some balls are just going to get dropped.
So What’s the Lesson?
- Let the balls drop.
- Let people know a few will get dropped.
- Throw the guilt out the window and accept that you’re doing your best — even if your best is scattered, exhausted, and two exits too late.
Maybe, just maybe, letting go of the pressure is the thing that helps you drop one less ball tomorrow.
