You Are Enough

I don’t think we talk about how hard it is nearly enough.

Being a mother is truly the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

That includes burying my late husband.

It’s all encompassing

Gut wrenching

Rewarding

Beautiful

EXHAUSTING

At times it’s even ripe with resentment.

Yep, that’s not the right thing to say, I know.

You are supposed to LOVE every moment of motherhood.

And you do, but honestly, you don’t.

Trust me, I would not trade it, and I realize some people follow me and have lost children, so I want to be deeply empathic with my words, but the reality is sometimes it is just too much, and we as mothers are just too tired.

The world has set us up to fail.

Unrealistic expectations of what a “good” mom looks like.

The house is clean.

Everyone should be a good student, athlete, and human.

Dinner needs to be made.

Volunteer work is often expected of moms for kids’ activities with time and MONEY.

Don’t miss a game, a speech or a parent’s night.

Your body should stay in shape.

Your spouse happy (if you still have one and aren’t doing this alone).

If you work it can’t outshine the children and their needs.

You need to lead by example and show them what success looks like.

Be strong, soft, and a leader, but be demure at the same time.

Oh, and menopause.

Don’t even get me started on menopause.

I wouldn’t trade my children for the entire world. I love them from the depths of my soul, but the reality is some days it’s harder than hard, and sometimes the world lays way too much on a woman’s feet.

You can’t do it, and be it all.

People will look at your life with their limited knowledge of the intimate details, and they will tell you that you are not enough.

Screw em….

You are more than enough, so don’t forget it.

Perfection is a myth in parenting, motherhood, relationships, and more.

What is reality is admitting the bad days are hard and feeling deeply grateful for the good days.

The outside exceptions won’t change quickly, so it’s time you set realistic expectations for your life and remind yourself that you are enough.

Let’s all do that together.

I see you, mama, your hard work and your exhaustion, and I validate the struggle.

You are enough.

Michelle