Not JUST a Mom

I was inspired today by a blog post I read today. . .which has led to a similar blog post of my own.

I recently read an article about a woman who had given up reading "mommy blogs" because she found she was comparing herself and her family to the authors of these blogs she would read. I totally "get" where she is coming from. Moms comparing themselves to other moms and then becoming discouraged because they are not the seemingly perfect moms that they are reading (half-truth) stories about. However, I think if we are looking for some help or information, other moms can assist us in finding the answer we're seeking.

4 of my kids playing together.

Have no fear! I am not that "perfect mom" you're afraid of reading about. I don't craft, I'm not super organized, my kids are not perfect little cherubs parading around nude wearing halos (though sometimes there is a streaking toddler who inevitably ends up peeing on the floor!), and really...I am just a mom, just like YOU. I have fears, hopes, dirty dishes sitting in my sink right now, worries, stress, happy times, crying moments, and times where I just want to pull out my hair and sell all my kids on e-bay and move to an island. I'm not the only one, right?

But we are NOT "just" moms (I know, I barely said "I am just a mom"...but, you know what I mean.).

In the aforementioned blog, she talks about basically realigning our perspective of our seemingly mundane tasks and realizing how important they are. For starters, let's just say that no mother is perfect, and that there are MANY great ways to do the same thing! We are all focused on the same goal though, I believe: Running our home in such a way that our children are happy, healthy, and loved and can then pass that on to their own kids one day (or something along those lines).

We are mothers, and that includes, but is not limited to such traits/jobs as:

Inspiring Young Minds
Creators of Love
Chef Extraordinaire
The Head Honcho of Operations
Household Financial Whiz
Fashion Designer
Doctor
Diaper Diva (like, I'm so good at this, I think I can do it blindfolded--I've definitely done it half asleep!)
Dream Weaver (I've got you singing now)
Family Counselor
Driver to the Demanding and Adorable
Circus Juggler (for real--I think we can keep more balls in the air than any juggler dressed as a clown)
Stage Performer (who hasn't entertained screaming wee ones on a car trip?)
Professor of Family Relations
Scientist
Teachers of Everything
Specialized Toxicity Expert (vomit, diapers, bathrooms and kitchens! Oh My!)

You get the idea, but just think about the things you do every day. They seem mundane, but what if they didn't happen? What we do as mothers, as caretakers for others is the most important work we could do. Our kids look up to us, and even when we don't think we're doing a good job, guess what? Our kids do. I know because my own kids have told me so in moments of self-doubt. And, it's okay if we don't do-it-all. In fact, it's probably better if we only do our best at what we can. We don't need to be June Cleaver or Donna Reed (yes, I used to watch all of these shows when I was a kid!) or Martha Stewart. Besides, they're not really perfect either.

At the St. George LDS Temple having a fun outing

If it makes you feel better, or more glamorous or fancy, then maybe slip on a superhero costume or a tiara or  a cape or whatever it is that helps you realize how what you do every day is truly amazing. So, go be your own kind of amazing! Don't try to copy someone else--just be you and LOVE what you're doing.

We were not put on this earth to fail, but to learn, grow and gain experiences. Being a mother, to me, is one of the most glorious experiences I can have. I wouldn't trade it for the world--and I try to not listen to the world when it tells me that I am not enough. My most important work is in the home--teaching, loving, nurturing, and providing for my family.

© Wendy 2013