![]() Every year as Mother's Day approaches, I'm always reflective. My husband and boys always give me cards and seek to make the day special in some way for me. I have to be honest and tell you that I always seem to look back on the previous year of Motherhood and question myself. Was I good enough? Attentive enough? Did they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I love them unconditionally and sense by my words and actions that I do? Was I enough? If you're a mom, you know what I'm talking about. I know you do. Because every one of us feels this at some point in our journey of motherhood. I don't know a single mom that feels they are doing it all right. We've all felt the sting of harsh words we've spoken, regret over the way we handled a situation, the pull of priorities as we go about our day, the guilt of just wanting to fall into bed when they want just one more snuggle, mom. The list could go on. You can fill in your own blank: I wish I had ______________________. It's hard. It's so, so worth it. But it's hard. Nobody can prepare you for how very hard it's going to be. This is where having a community of other women around you, who understand this journey, becomes so crucial. I hope that you have friends or family around you who support and encourage you. If you don't, may I gently suggest that you reach out to groups around you, whether you find them at your local church, mom's play groups, mom's support groups (such as breastfeeding/babywearing, etc), or in your own circles. If there isn't a group that exists, maybe you could consider starting one. It doesn't have to be fancy. Perhaps it's simply a small group of you having coffee together while the kiddos play in the back yard. The truth is, we were never meant to be islands. We are hard-wired for community, and we need each other. We need people around us who won't judge us when we tell them, through tears, how much we are struggling. We need to know we aren't alone, that we are safe, and cared for. And we need to know that we are enough. Mom, you are more than enough. Your kids have been chosen for you, and you for them. And while there are many days that you are painfully aware of how imperfect you are, let me reassure you: You are perfect for them. Happy Mother's Day!
5 Comments
Heather
5/3/2016 07:01:40 pm
Thank you for this! I am constantly wondering if I am doing good enough for my girls! The struggle is real!
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Nicholette
5/4/2016 03:26:43 am
Every word is true. We need friends to remind us , we are just right for our children. God chose them to be with us. So just gently love them with all you have, its enough. Remember , lead, they follow, but push, and they wont know how to follow. An apprentice watched hos master for years before he could do the same work 😘
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Nicole
5/4/2016 05:07:45 am
I am constantly telling myself that even worrying about being a good mom makes me a better mom. For some reason it is much easier for me to tell someone else they are enough than to to tell myself and believe it. Thank you for the reminder!
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5/4/2016 03:06:46 pm
So true! Spending time with our "tribe" also helps us be able to come back into parenting refreshed and ready to get back in there and be at our best.
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AuthorHappi loves serving families in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago as a labor doula and childbirth educator. When she's not at a birth, she loves spending time at home with her loving husband and homeschooling her sons. She also finds great joy in serving the Lord at her church and teaching children about the love of Jesus! Archives
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