I believe I’m strong and capable of great things and for these reasons I hold myself to high standards. For these reasons too, I am my harshest critic. There’s something in me that is always looking to get better. It’s part of my curious nature. What else can I learn? How can I take this to the next level? Is there room to get better at this? How about I try a different way, see how it turns out? Don’t worry, I’m not a perfectionist, I know there is no such thing as perfect. Because if there were, can you imagine how boring life would be? If there was a limit to our potential? Anyway…These personality traits, are great in so many aspects of life, but they have been my downfall in motherhood. 

Motherhood for me is learning to balance this part of me. It’s learning that some days less is more and nothing is everything (pardon the cliché). It’s remembering that some days I need to be satisfied with “good enough” instead of great. It’s acknowledging that some days simply showing up and being present is a win. Motherhood is growing. Growing into a new version of myself through tears, laughter, doubt, and love. Most importantly it is working hard to become more patient and acceptant with myself.

On this day I write to myself as if writing to a good friend. Because let’s face it, wouldn’t we all be better off if we treated ourselves the way we treat our best friends, if we pumped ourselves up like we cheer on our loved ones day in and day out? Here’s my attempt:

Happy Mother’s Day to Me

(Not a poem but a series of short thoughts)

Sweetest mom. Caring mom. Exhausted mom. 

Loving momma. Cranky momma. Smiling momma. 

Laughing mommy. Crying mommy. Reading mommy. 

Strong mother. Doubtful mother. Worried mother. 

Patient mama. Yelling mama. Kindest mama. Playful mama. 

You’re doing the best you can. You’re doing everything you can. 

At times it might not seem as though, but rest assured it is. 

You do more than you could ever know. 

You do more than you’ll ever be thanked for. 

You do it out of love. 

You’re exhausted beyond repair and your worried they’ll remember

Try not to despair. Try to breath fresh air.

In time the short tempers and endless fights will fade away

For a mother’s hug and a mother’s love will always save the day. 

The rough times will be forgotten and the treasured moments will stay.

You do you, do what you can. Do what you have strength for that day.

Fun outdoors or movies and chores

A homecooked meal or a take-out dinner, 

Play together or leave them alone

No matter what kind of day it is, as long as you’re there it’s always a winner. 

And some days you can’t be there, 

Let’s face it you need some air. 

And that is ok too because you’re teaching them the importance of self-care. 

You’re a good mother. You’re a great mother. 

You’re the best mother your girls could ever have. 

You’re the one they need, you’re just what they need. 

You. Are. Enough.

You. Are. Everything.

You’re safety in the night. You’re comfort through pain and illness. 

You’re kindness and love when someone is mean. 

You’re light and laughter through silliness and fun. 

You’re rules, limits, and lessons to be learned. 

You’re strong when you say No, 

You’re strong when you say yes

…even when you would rather say no. 

So be kind to yourself. Be patient. 

If today felt wrong, try again tomorrow. 

You’re kids are growing and so are you. 
Every day you both become someone new. 

Someone better, someone greater. 

No matter how, you’re doing so together.