Being a mom means loving unconditionally, giving lots of hugs, kissing boo-boos, making meals, picking up toys, paying for college, meeting girlfriends/boyfriends and so much more. I do not think I knew what I was in for when I signed up for this never ending 27+ hour a day job. Did you?!?
I did not know what I was in for but I would sign up for it all over again without hesitation. That is not to say that I don’t hide under the covers some days or cry in the shower from time to time. But yep, I would sign up for this gig over and over again. I love being a mom! I consider it an honor and I am so proud of the two people that I brought into this world. I love them so much. Many of my finest moments have been as a mom (some of my not so wonderful moments too, oops).
So why does something that I love so much sometimes make me feel like I fail at life? Those darn kids can make me feel immediate guilt over a situation I didn’t handle perfectly. I lose sleep over things that I said to them in a moment of anger or didn’t say when I should have. I worry that I am not feeding them the right things (like when my daughter wants to eat Ramen for every meal). I worry that I’m not allowing them enough independence or that I’m giving them too much. Are they in too many activities or not enough? Let’s not even talk about what happens after they turn 16 because it is just too upsetting to think about right now. How do I get them through the loss of a beloved pet or seeing their sibling going off to college? There are so many life-altering moments that you will see your child through. All of these moments are life changing for children but they are life changing for parents as well. They have changed me as a person and most certainly given me gray hair. They have made me better, stronger, smarter, more loving, given me more patience and occasionally made me fail at life.
I have decided that it is okay for me to fail at life sometimes. It is part of the process. I want my kids to know that it is okay to fail from time to time. Even when we do fail we are still a family and we still love each other. We say we are sorry, we forgive and we get better. We grow together. We can only grow if we learn that sometimes we do not succeed or we just plain fail at things. I know by showing them this I am teaching them to be stronger, smarter, more loving, patient, forgiving and compassionate people. That makes me proud! Being a mom, the very best job that there is, but one that can also make you feel like you fail at life.
Do you ever feel like you are failing as a mom? What do you do to turn things around?
Having failures is not a bad thing. It is all a learning process and when children are involved you will learn a great deal. As mothers we never know if we are doing it right or wrong. But, with the love we have for our children we will always make the decisions that are best for them. You are an amazing mother and your 2 kids are blessed to have you.
I have to remind myself that there is a time and a season for everything. Sometimes what looks like a failure is just not its time for success. We need to be more patient with ourselves.
We all do. This is what will make us a stronger and better person.
Amen – I don’t see it as failing, but rather choosing to live vs. trying to gain perfectionism which doesn’t exist. Kudos!
I feel like this sometimes, especially when I do not have much patience to handle situations and say same things million times. I just talk to my mom and look for support.