Do you ever feel like you’re the only mom who has hard days? I’m here to tell you that you’re NOT alone!
When I started this blog in 2011 (has it really been that long?!), I was knee-deep in one of the hardest seasons of my life: I was mothering a toddler and newborn, and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.
Truly, I was overwhelmed with homemaking, motherhood, and life.
I was drowning in a sea of baby clothes, spit-up, and diapers. I was floundering, and, more than anything, I felt like a failure.
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Once in a while, I run across an old Facebook status that brings me back to that time:
And then there were days like this:
Maybe you feel like this right now, Mama. I hear you. I can relate to the craziness of homemaking and motherhood because I live it, too.
Dishes are piled up in the sink. You’re pulling clean underwear out of the dryer for your potty training toddler. Your kids need a bath (and a haircut, too). Dinner is looking like scrambled eggs (again).
And you’re pretty sure you didn’t win any awards for “the Most Patient and Gentle Mommy” today.
In fact, on days like this you might be tempted to judge yourself even more harshly than that. Not only were you not at your best, but actually, you’re a terrible mom. A pathetic homemaker. The day was a disaster. You probably deserve an F minus in motherhood.
And on and on goes the litany in your head as you stew about the ways you didn’t match up or weren’t enough or were too whatever (angry, critical, impatient, disorganized, fill in the blank).
You snap a shot of your depressing laundry pile after the kids go to bed and share it on Instagram with a self-deprecating comment and the hashtag #momfail. It’s only meant as a joke, of course, but deep down it feels a little truer than you wish it did.
If this sounds even remotely familiar, you need to know two things:
- You are not. Most of us feel this way far more than we ever admit.
- All the ways you failed?? How awful you did today or last week? It’s just not true. You’re doing better than you think.
I’ve had these sorts of days myself, and it’s precisely why I want you to feel encouraged and empowered.
I have the deepest compassion for moms who are working their tails off, but still hitting the pillow at night with a heavy heart and tear-stained face, because they feel like they’re failing at one of the most important things they’ll ever do in their lives.
Aimee
I can so relate. It’s a very challenging season with 3 under 5. My husband works around 15 (24 hour) shifts per month as a firefighter so I often find myself feeling inadequate for so much solo parenting. God is using this time greatly in my life even though I struggle with labeling myself ” not good enough.”
Erin
I cannot imagine the firefighter schedule. I am SO thankful for our firemen and other servicemen and their wives! I pray God gives you strength and encouragement today, Aimee! (I apologize that I missed this comment until now!)
Keelie Reason
I think all of us moms have so many days like this. I don’t always handle it well, that is for sure. Happy you have a video series. 🙂
Erin
I agree that it’s something I think we all deal with! I hope you enjoyed the series!
Rhonda Swan
So tru! Every momma has a hard day. We have to work through those difficulties so that we can be strong for our children. Keep up the great work here and live unstoppable!
Erin
Thank you for the encouragement, Rhonda!