There are times that I really blow it as a mother. Try as I might, I manage to disappoint myself at least a few dozen times before lunch. You see, motherhood is hard. If you're a mom you already know that. If you're not a mom, just wait.
I was a totally better mom before I had kids. I had solutions for everything from picky eating (eat this or starve!) to discipline and sleep schedules to potty training and far beyond.
And then kids happened.
Oh boy, did kids happen.
People will tell you a baby changes everything. What they fail to tell you is that by "everything" they really mean you. A baby changes YOU.
You, the person you know so well. You, the person who only signed up for motherhood because she was pretty sure she'd kick ass at it. You, the one who's suddenly unrecognizable even to herself.
The metamorphosis of motherhood is a lengthy process. Sure, there's the 40 weeks of pregnancy, followed by the 6+ weeks of ridiculously sore nipples and nether regions. Then there's the 6+ months of stupid exhaustion, followed by the next however many years of getting to know the new you. The better you. The "you" you had no idea you were born to become.
Then one day, quite unexpectedly, you'll be hit with the sudden maternal realization: I've got this.
Motherhood. I've got this. I've got this thing down!
Of course, two seconds later your kid will bite someone or vomit in your hair and you'll realize that "getting" motherhood isn't about having all the answers or raising perfect robot children. Motherhood is about nothing more than trying your best and caring a whole, whole bunch.
Rest easy knowing your kids have been loved with the fullest extent of your heart and taught everything you know to be true. As it has been for generations before and generations to come, anything and everything else can somehow be found in a mother's loving arms. Or more specifically, your arms.
Moms, I encourage you to give yourself the gift of trust. Trust the way in which your child sees you as the truest reflection of your success. You are the keeper of your child's heart, soul and light. Every time you marvel with pride at the amazing young person your child is surely becoming, take a moment and recognize the woman who made it all possible - you.
Mommyfriend goes by Lori Garcia in real life and is a Shine Parenting Guru. She writes at www.mommyfriend.com where she's busy finding perfection in imperfection daily. When she's not watching infomercials she's the Home & Beauty editor for GalTime.
