A Love Letter to Mothers

Dear Mother,

You are enough.

Your desire to clean your home, amidst the chaos of crying kids, is enough right now. I promise, it won’t always be like this. Days will come when your energy is high and the kids get along, and you feel unstoppable in cleaning your house. You will also have more days like today, when you feel like you're not trying hard enough to clean the home.

You are enough.

Mom, I see you needing a moment… not even sure what that would look like, just that you need a moment. To breathe, to be mindless, to have a challenge, to go out with a friend, to take a hot shower without interruption. A moment, to just be. Please take a deep breath right now, with your eyes closed. Feel the air enter your nose and reach all the way down to your belly. Now exhale through your mouth like you're forcing the weight of motherhood out of your body. Needing a moment is a valid feeling. It does not make you more or less than a mother.

Your feelings are valid.

There is nothing wrong with you friend. You are a person, with a passion for your family. You're biologically wired to care for the needs of others. I know it feels awkward to take care of yourself. Not enough time in the day. But just so you know, in case you haven’t heard it…

You are worth your time.

You are worth the time it takes to care for yourself.

It sounds easy. But I know it’s not. It’s another item on the list. It’s another thing you feel like you're failing at. But I don’t see you failing. I see you committed to the passions in your life. Choosing things that bring you joy. Choosing the life you wanted, created, and now get to be a part of. That is magic!

You are magic!

You provide so much love and safety for your family. You bring them comfort from pain, snuggles on cuddly days and tissues on sick days. You’re their cheerleader every day.

You provide them with a life.

So let me remind you, that where you are right now…

YOU ARE DOING ENOUGH and YOUR FEELINGS ARE VALID.

Don’t invalidate how you feel, even if you think you're supposed to be more, and doing more. Feelings are a part of life. You are the magical vessel they get to move through, if you let them.

You are here to bear witness that you are not your feelings. Your surroundings are not an accurate description of who you are as a person.

Feeling guilt is valid. And normal.

Feeling like you want more, is valid. And normal.

Feeling stuck is valid. And normal.

All feelings are valid. And normal.

But no matter what they are, what they say, how they feel…

They have nothing to do with who you are.

And who you are, is enough.

Sincerely, with all my love,

Your Friend

xo