Last year I went through a season of extreme craziness. My kids were going a million different directions every night. My husband was working six days a week and I was just trying to keep my head above water. I got to my breaking point. I knew I needed to regroup and get things back together. My solution: a simple list.

During this time, I heard a podcast where a mom shared how she’s written out for herself something she calls “ground zero,” which is a list of the bare minimum things she needs to do in order to feel good about her role as a mother and to know she is on the right track in life. Her idea resonated with me.

Small and Simple Things Bring Great Things

One of my favorite scriptures says “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). I know from past experience when I’m doing a handful of “small and simple things” my life runs more smoothly and even though I may not see it now, great things will come for my family in the future.

I love the thoughts of Neil F. Marriott, a mother to 11 children, about how the small things she did every day blessed her family with great things:

“My days were full of forgettable things like folding laundry, reading children’s books, and putting casseroles together for dinner. Sometimes in the harbor of our homes, we can’t see that by the simple, consistent acts—including family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening—great things are brought to pass. But I testify that these very acts carry eternal significance. Great joy comes when those little boats—our children—grow into mighty seafaring vessels filled with gospel light and ready to ‘embark in the service of God.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2) Our small acts of faith and service are how most of us can continue in God and eventually bring eternal light and glory to our family, our friends, and our associates. You truly carry a circle of influence with you!”

I really don’t believe in having total “balance” in life, but I frequently need to leave the craziness behind and get back on track. During my season last year of feeling out of balance, I came up with my own list of “small and simple things” I need to be doing to get rid of overwhelm and stress.

The List Every Mom Needs

Here’s my list:

• Daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer as well as weekly worship
• Dinner cooked at least 3 nights per week
• Time alone with my husband to connect and talk
• Exercise
• Time spent improving myself (listening to podcasts, reading, etc.)
• Service to others

I’m in a season of motherhood where all of my kids are in school and I have time to myself every day. When my kids were younger, this list would have looked different. Your list will not be the same as mine or your neighbors or your sisters. Motherhood is all about seasons. What works right now may not work as your children grow and circumstances change.

Write Your Own List

So, what are the small things you do in your life to help you feel grounded, balanced and in sync with motherhood? If you’re not sure, say a prayer and ask for God’s help, then pull out a piece of paper and write down the things that seem most important to you.  The “small things” on your list will bring about great things in the future for your family.