A Post-Mother's Day Note of Encouragement

Mother's Day is a wonderful day, but it can also be emotionally exhausting.   Whether you are just thinking about becoming a mom, you are pregnant and nervous about the type of mother you'll be, or you are deep in the struggle, I wanted to share just a few words of encouragement today. 

My hope for you is to be encouraged when you feel like you are not enough, joyful when you are sad and frustrated, hopeful when you feel exhausted, and cherished even the "thank yous" seem non-existent.

You are doing your best.  You are not alone.

As you go through your week, please remember: 

1. Mother’s still have to mother on Mother's Day!   Even with all the celebration, there are people still counting on you, still asking you for things and still expecting you to meet their needs.  Tomorrow is just Monday, so what are you doing the rest of the days to make parenting sustainable?
2. Motherhood is a sacred role, but it doesn’t have to be your everything.  In fact, it shouldn’t be. You have purpose and value outside of being a mother.   Women who don’t have children have purpose and value and if you didn’t have them you would still have both of those things, too.   It’s ok to still need fulfillment from other areas of life.
3. Perfection is not the goal.  There are no perfect mother (or fathers).  Give yourself some grace. No one else is expecting perfection from you.
4. Every time you don’t feel like doing something with or for your kids, think about if you’ll miss having the opportunity in 10 years or even 5 years.
5. Encourage another mom you know.  Your words might really have an impact on her.
6. Mothering is as old as time.   Seek some wisdom from mothers who have gone before you.  You don’t have to reinvent it even if you want to customize it for your own family/children.