Life can be mundane. Especially for moms. We often get lost in the routines that are so vital for our survival. Between the feedings, laundry, cooking, cleaning, runny noses, potty training, and naps, our days run past together in a stampede and before you know it, a month has gone by and we forgot to come up for air! If we do get a minute, it can be hard to ground ourself and focus on who we are and what our intention and purpose is.
That’s where a short and sweet note from a friend shows up like the little bird in Go Dog, Go. He prompts the racing dogs to “Stop dogs! Stop!” And then he sweetly prances across the road, creating a moment of pause in the mad race to the dog party.
It’s not a long pause, but it’s enough to catch your breath before continuing the chaos. In my opinion, THAT is a great service you can provide that shows true friendship.
As moms, we need to know that we see each other. Most of the time, our conversations are broken, interrupted by tugs (or yanks- anyone else been pantsed lately?) “mommy, I have to go potty”. When this goes on for years, combined with sleep deprivation, our brains are trained not to finish a thought. Staying focused to the end of a sentence becomes an olympic feat.
“So you want me to somehow be able to summon up the profound words that will magically inspire my friends? And find the perfectly beautiful card to write it in?”
Nope! That’s where I’ve got you covered! Grab an assorted set of stunning watercolor prints, your favorite pen, and pick one of my 10 favorite quotes that I’ve collected so far that really speak to the challenges of motherhood. Some have an air of tough love, but I have found them so helpful for myself, I want to share them.
- “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only- and that is to support the ultimate career.” - C.S. Lewis - So if you’re feeling like your job as a mama doesn’t make a difference, just remember that society was built around raising children and you are building the future.
- There is no such thing as a mom who has it all together. - Unknown - I saw a meme the other day that said “You always seem to be so on top of everything. How do you do it?” and the image was a kayaker paddling down category 10 rapids. LOL! I wish I had a card that depicted this. But I DO have this one. Nobody has it all together.
- I know it’s hard, [mama]. It’s hard to get up each day and do the things nobody sees. But I want to remind you that your work is seen. Your children know they are loved and watch you prove it over and over each day. And God sees you, too. He picked you to be their mama. And He knows what He’s doing. Yes, I know it’s hard. But you’re a rockstar mama. And you’re doing a great job.” -www.mommys15minutes.com
- “She found when she mothered her own way she mothered her best way.” - January Harshe - So good. AND with this one, you Get a bonus. “I sincerely believe you don’t need to choose between your career goals and motherhood. They are linked so strongly that one benefits the other. Your drive to be a great mother means that you are driven to provide for your family, in whatever ways your family needs most. Your drive to be great at work means that you are driven to show your children that success is possible.” - Becca Carnahan
- “A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” - Pablo Picasso - Sometimes it's hard to get up from the sleep-deprived, messy, maybe somewhat depressing present. It may also be excruciating to give up dreams of what was a really great past- you know, the young professional life where you had it all together? But Picasso is right. Sometimes you have to forget the past, and live for the future. The future IS worth living for. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." God has a plan for your future, don't forget that.
- “Some days are better, some days are worse. Look for the blessing instead of the curse. Be positive, stay strong, and get enough rest. You can’t do it all, but you can do your best.” -Unknown
- “Remember: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20
- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23
- “Being a mother is discovering strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you never knew existed.” - Sherene Simon
- “To the mama who hasn’t felt like herself lately, I know how difficult it is when you catch yourself not being you. Be patient, your sparkle will return again and you will shine again.” - Proud Happy Mama --This quote brings me to a little factoid I saw once that gave me so much relief and grace for myself. Flamingos, both male and female, can lose their pink coloring while they’re raising their young. It’s a result of feeding their chicks the crop milk and the parents can turn very pale, even white. However, their color eventually comes back as their children become more independent. I found this out by following @lindseygurk on instagram. She has been a source of so much cheer, encouragement, and inspiration. If you need a source of motherhood support, go give her a follow!
I hope that no matter what cycle of motherhood you or your tribe is in, you’ll find something encouraging in this post. Motherhood is the toughest hood you’ll ever live in and we need each other. Whether its for inspiration, encouragement, reality check, sanity check, validation, we’ve got to be there for each other so we can make it through. It’s true that it takes a village, but not everyone is so lucky to have one. So if you know a mom who’s in the trenches and feeling all the Groundhog Day vibes, pick a quote and send them a note of encouragement.
If you'd like to join MY tribe for encouragement, support, and joy, come follow me over on instagram!