Breathe, Mama

Do you constantly feel like you have to have it together at all times? Are there so many things to get done, but just not enough time in the day? Ever feel like you need 3 clones or 10 extra sets of hands to juggle your workload? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you are probably a mother. Being a mommy is not a temporary job. It is not one with paid time off, vacation or sick days, and it doesn’t come with health insurance; however, this title is one of the most rewarding “careers” you can have.

Believe it or not, it is a job with a plethora of benefits.

No, you don’t get paid in cash, but money can’t compare to kisses and hugs all day, everyday. Money can’t buy “I love you, Mommy” and hand holdings. You won’t find those chunky little cheeks in the supermarket. Motherhood is a blessing in and of itself, and you are paid in smaller blessings all throughout the day.

With that being said, let’s go back to those questions. Do you have to have it together all the time? Absolutely not. Being a mother, wife, jungle gym, taxi, punching bag, and all the other titles that pop up in a day, it is expected for one to run out of fuel. In fact, sometimes you won’t even be able to refill by the next day, and you may run on fumes for days on end. That is FINE. If you need to scream in that pillow so you don’t scream at the toddler that just threw her milk down for the tenth time in an hour, do it. If you need to call your friend and vent about how your infant hasn’t slept in a week, so you haven’t either, pick that phone up.

Being a mother does not mean being perfect.

It does not mean you are Superwoman, even if you are a super woman. Being a mother means God felt that you were special enough to get the ultimate gift--a small, innocent, fragile yet tough human being. Even on the days you can’t seem to pull it together, you are worthy and you are a good mommy, so just breathe, tell yourself it is okay, and go embrace God’s gift(s).