How To Love Your Life As a Mom
She has the perfect life. Your thoughts are often consumed with, “If only you could be just like her—then you would love your life as a mom”.
You know who I’m talking about. That mom that seems to have her life all together.
She’s caring, kind, and always patient—not to mention stunningly beautiful.
The Perfect Mom Doesn’t Exist
“While 84% of moms believe the stereotype of the “perfect mom” is an outdated standard, nine out of 10 moms still feel pressure to be perfect, new data shows.”1
I Used to Love Her Life
The problem was that I loved her life, not mine.
We Think We Need to be Perfect
Do What You Love
How to Love Your Life As a Mom
1. Dream again—for a hope and a future.
It’s easy to say motherhood is hard, we’re raising tiny humans. It’s true—they are tiny for now, but look out to the future to what they are becoming—adults.
This might be a little hard at first, but start dreaming again about what things you want for your kids. I’m not talking physical things but rather what do you want for your kids to have or be like when they leave your home?
Instead of raising tiny humans, start to think you’re raising “responsible, trustworthy adults.”
2. Write down those things that energize you—the things you love and the things you are good at.
The first time I did this, I cried. Yes, it was emotional because I realized very quickly that the things that I really enjoyed and that energized me were not a part of my life at the time.
No wonder I was feeling drained. I wasn’t filling myself up! Since we are all different, your list will be unique to you. Be willing to set some uninterrupted time for this one—and maybe a box of tissues.
3. Be the fun mom! Have fun doing what you love with your kids.
I love a clean kitchen. Clean counters, shiny sinks, and clean kitchen floors is my love language and yet I absolutely love to bake also. When it comes to doing what I love with my kids, I ditch the clean for a moment
Honestly this is a super hard one for me, but instead I let my son bake with me. It’s definitely a messy sight but he loves baking with me and I love baking with him. He’s learning and discovering and we’re making memories together that will last for years to come.
4. Build a Village
There’s an old familiar saying that says it takes a village to raise a child—and it has application today too! One of the first things I learned as a mom is that I am not good at everything and I won’t be, but God has surrounded me with a village.
There are other moms around me that can do things way better than I can. What a gift! You can do what your good at and then lean on other moms to fill in the gaps with what they are good at.
You both win!
You can encourage your friends by recognizing what they are good and inviting them to positively make a difference in your kids’ lives.
The Best Mom Ever
When we start integrating the things we love into motherhood—we are the best mom ever to our kids. It taps into what drives us and excites us. In the process we model something to our kids—a joy and excitement for life. It lets your kids know that they can do the same too—discover what energizes them!
Living What You Love
Not only is Alyssa doing something that she loves, by creating encouraging and inspiring t–shirts, but she’s doing something that aligns with what she wants for her kid’s future.
I love this! I can definitely get sucked into the pressure of trying to be perfect and it never turns out well. Thank you for the reminder to just let some things go and focus on the thing s that matter!
Thank you, Marinda, for sharing! I’m so glad you were encouraged.
This is a topic all moms need to revisit OFTEN. In each stage of life, we may find ourselves not loving it like we loved the last stage. Thank you for sharing your tips and wisdom!
Thank you, Christi! I like too how you said, “we may find ourselves not loving one it, like we loved the last stage.” Great point!
Sonya, what a great post!! Matter of a fact, I just read a post by Holley Gerth (www.holleygerth.com) that goes hand-in-hand with your post. She said that it isn’t a matter of self esteem, but one of having holy confidence. I love how you shared some specific ways to be our “best” and to love our lives as moms. As a momma to 3 boys, I need to put this into action!!! Thank you!
Oh! Emily! This just blesses my heart! Thank you, too, for sharing what Holly Gerth wrote. I love that—”having holy confidence”. I’ll have to go check it out. Hope my stories have inspired some ways you can love on those boys! I was just talking with Jennifer Love from http://www.intentionaltraditions.com on Instagram about “boys, baking, and dirt”. It’s funny how even as boy–moms, those boys love to do the things we love to do too!
Sonya – Oh boy, do I remember those days as a young mom comparing and just trying to get it right and sometimes being someone or something that I wasn’t. You post and message is a much needed one in the world today not just for moms, but for women in general. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and this powerful truth. We are neighbors over at Holley’s #CoffeeForYourHeart today. Blessings
Thank you, sweet Debbie, for your kind words! Thank you, too for saying hello! I’ll stop by for a visit, neighbor. 🙂
Don’t love her life, love your life. Amen! When I really think about it, I want my life, but it can be easy in the moment to compare!
Thanks, Sarah, for your comment! Keep persevering, girl! When you catch yourself in the comparison—stand firm on the truth and say to yourself, that She’s got nothing on you. Only, you can be the best at what God has created you to be!
I love these tips. My mom was the “fun mom” and I had no idea she struggled with all of this until later in life. I don’t remember her “trying to do it all”, I had no idea she was trying, she was just fun! I know now that the goal is not a balanced life but a prioritized life. Thank you for posting this!
Hi Jessie! I really appreciate you sharing that your mom was the “fun mom” and that you eventually learned that she struggled as well. It helps all of us to see that mom life is challenging—even for those who seem like they have it all together. That speaks very highly of your mom and her perseverance to love you well no matter how challenging it may have been at times. Thank you for sharing this with us! P.S. I totally agree with you, “it’s not about a balanced life” but one that focuses on what matters most.