Moms are Amazing

As women we are constantly being pulled in so many different directions.  From being a wife to be a mommy, with everything we do on a daily basis we tend to lose ourselves in the process.  Our friendships suffer, our hair falls out, and we can’t remember the last time we wore jeans.  It’s a constant battle of feeling guilty for putting yourself first, you feel like a horrible mother for wanting or doing more. 

I have been a stay-at-home-mom for a decade! That’s right a whole ten years! I couldn’t believe it, and although it doesn’t feel like that because in the process of being home, I have been raising my four beautiful children.  But the reality is, it’s been ten years.  I started to think…. What have I done in that ten years? Yes, I have four wonderful and smart children, I served in the church ministry for five years, I obtained a bachelor’s degree, and created a website to help others.  It’s a pretty good feeling, but on the other hand I felt something was missing.  

I always strive to help my husband financially any way I can.  I know the amount of stress on his shoulders every day to be the sole provider of our home.  He does an amazing job and we are so blessed. My kids started asking me, “mom when are you going back to work”? It’s such an awful feeling knowing your kids don’t think you work hard or value what you do every day.  They are little and the question was innocent and valid.  

I talked to my husband and explained my concerns for my life and future.  What kind of example am I setting for my daughters as they grow into women? What will they take away from me? How can I teach them more? Did I do the best I could, and could I have done more? This is a constant battle I have in my mind.  Maybe I am too hard on myself, but I know that I was put into this world to do more and to be great. 

What Next??

I made the decision to start Grad School to obtain my Master’s Degree in elementary education.  Initially, I had no idea how I would do it all. Raising kids is hard enough, but while going to school online full time I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.  I just knew I needed to do it to set a positive example for my kids and for myself.  

For as long as I can remember I always knew I would be in education. Once I had my oldest son Isaac and we found out he was autistic, I knew I could make a difference and impact the lives of other people struggling like I was.  Now I am five classes into my program; holding down the house, my kids, husband and maintaining a 3.7 GPA. 

 I feel pretty confident that God never gives you more than you can handle.  I feel empowered being back in school, encouraged as my kids watch me do homework and talk about what I am learning in class.  

They are interested in what I am doing for the first time.  Proud of who their mom will one day become and what she will achieve.  That is so important to me.  Maybe it shouldn’t be, maybe it’s petty to some.  

My goal is to be the best mom I can and that means setting an example for them, just because I am a mom doesn’t mean I have to quit on the things I am passionate about. It doesn’t mean I have to settle or stop being the best version of myself.  It motivates me more than ever to achieve those goals knowing that I have their support. I can look at them one day and truly say that I have done my absolute best.  Maybe I don’t always have it together, and I am a mess, and so is my kitchen, but at the end of the day I will hold it together and get it done. 

Be The Best YOU!

For those of you reading this today, you’re not alone. I encourage you to follow your passions and set goals to be the best version of yourselves.  Being a mom should not limit what we can do and who we can be.  It should motivate us to do more.  Whatever you do, don’t stop doing what you love.  Put lipstick on and pull yourself together because you deserve it, and yes, the little ones are watching you.  The more positive we are, the more they will mimic that. It will shine through them, because they had a mom who cared about herself first.  Healthy moms are better in all areas.  They are able to take on more and do it with an open heart and mind.  I can say, from example, since I went back to school, I feel I have more purpose and am eager to begin my days.  

I hope that this post reaches anyone who is struggling to find themselves through the journey of motherhood.  That you may know you are worth it, and that you can do anything you set your mind to.  It is so powerful to be a woman, the role we hold as mothers and wives.  We are amazing beings and can conquer anything we want with the right support and mind set.  

Thanks for stopping by and remember to keep striving for mommy success.