Moms, Read When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
{Here's a page out of my journal from February 2017. I want to share in hopes that you'll feel encouraged}
Beloved mama,
No matter how badly you wanted this child or how deeply you love him, you're allowed to admit being a mother is more than you expected. You're allowed to admit how lonely you feel even when you're surrounded by amazing support. You're allowed to hide in your closet to cry. You're allowed to wake up in the morning feeling happy your baby is still sleeping so you can have "YOU" time.
You're allowed to want an escape to refill your wellness cup. You're allowed to ignore your baby's cry to finish the last 10 minutes of your workout, shower, book, TV show or conversation with a friend. You're allowed to ask someone you trust to watch your child so you can date your spouse again. You're allowed to admit that you feel stuck because you don't trust anyone with your kid. You're allowed to admit that you need a night out with your girlfriends.
Moms no matter the season you're in--being a mother is hard. You don't have to keep pretending that you have it all together. Voice your struggles with a confidant. Let go of this pressure to appear "together" because your friends seem to have figured it out. They haven't. They're pretending too.
There's nothing more empowering than letting go of the mom guilt. It's a daily practice. It's a fight with your self-proclaimed doubts BUT it's worth it. By letting go, you're more able to recognize your value. You'll see how much the neglect you've given yourself is hurting your family. You are not the perfect mom--you never will be. You ARE the perfect mom for your family. God gave them YOU!
If you continue to ignore your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness your FAMILY will suffer. Your feelings of inadequacy will deeply affect them. Make time for yourself to heal. Seek professional counsel, exercise your body, dedicate time for your personal growth, join or create a community with other moms, and grow your faith.
It's okay to cry but it's not okay to stay there. Self-reflect and make changes. Your family needs a whole you.
Photo by Kerry Lee Photography