Dear 2013 Mamas!
Feeling like a bit of a failure lately because you haven't read this month's issue of Parenting magazine or even your schools last Friday Flyer? Or any Friday Flyer ever? I feel your pain.
I probably read 4 Friday Flyers total all year long. This is my confession....Forgive me Father for I have failed to take vitamins, feed my kids organic food, sign my son up for baseball, exercise and read any and all Friday Flyers. This is my truth. Maybe it's your's too.
Every generation has it's challenges. Our's is a generation with an abundance of choice and information. As I've blogged before, I am in the constant game of tug-of-war with doing too much and not being still enough. But it goes beyond that...we are not just worried about our kids....we worry about being total and complete fabulous women, wives, community members, daughters and so on. We are in a constant measure of our selves. Are we good enough? Are we doing enough? Are we taking vitamins, walking, going to church, reading? Are we meditating, praying, doing yoga? Are we cooking whole foods, feeding our kids too much sugar, letting them eat food coloring? Can we be still, quiet, interesting individuals?
Here are some thoughts that cross my mind on a daily basis.
Holy shit - I didn't take fish oil again today. I've got to remember when I get home. (I don't)
Did Peter eat lunch?
Has Peter had any water?
Oh yea - I was supposed to do my PT exercises. Crap.
Are the girls taking too much dance? Should they be involved in other activities?
Has Peter read this summer? Have I read to him? (no)
Has Maeve practiced piano? Holy shit I have paid for piano?
Shit - I totally forgot to get someone to be with Harper when we go camping.
Crap - I haven't gotten ready for camping.
Are the kids wearing enough sunscreen?
I think you get my point....
So today I am confessing because you know what they say - "the truth shall set you free". So here goes.
I forget to take vitamins. I forget to give my kids vitamins. I forget to even buy vitamins. I barely exercise. I only like to read to myself. I have no interest in cooking dinner - organic or not. I'd rather watch Friends than go to church. I'd rather watch Friends than walk around the block. I forget to sign my kids up for things - order them t shirts and yearbooks and spirit wear etc. I'd rather talk on the phone than clean the house. I don't stretch or do yoga and I'd rather lay on a float than swim for my health. I have self help books I don't read. I have never framed a school picture or ballet photo. I dread kid birthday parties. I am NOT the greatest 2013 Mama by today's standards. But really I am okay with that. There is stuff I do well - I talk to my kids....I rap funny songs...I support their ideas. I try hard to balance work and family. I try to hard to teach my kids to do the right thing. I try to be a good friend. I try to remember to drink water. So for now, that's good enough for me. And it should be for you too. Give yourself a break. Stay off Pinterest and Etsy and blogs that you make you feel like a jack ass for not keeping organic chickens in your backyard.
It's okay. You're okay. We are okay.
Cheers!
