Just For Today, Embrace the Mom You Are

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Motherhood: the ultimate equalizer. Whether you’re rich or poor, young or old, a mother is a mother. No matter how well you think you’re doing, chances are you’re utterly exhausted and deeply familiar with the reality of struggle. To top it off, being a mom is the most humbling, demanding, and sometimes bewilderingly competitive role you can take on. It’s ironic that the most caring and giving individuals — mothers — often fall into the trap of martyrdom.

We just don’t listen to the wise advice that’s out there. Instead of taking it easy, we push ourselves to the brink every single day. We hear we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves, yet we are. We know we should practice self-care to avoid burnout, but we don’t. We’re advised to let go of the clutter and chaos in our homes, but instead, we spend hours scrolling through Pinterest, longing for the perfect mudroom while comparing ourselves to others.

We feel anxious, drained, and yearn for a simpler life, yet our calendars are packed, and our to-do lists never end. We keep going until we can’t anymore, coaxing our weary bodies out of bed each morning and then bribing them to return to it 16 hours later. We’re perpetually in motion, both physically and mentally, allowing days and years to slip by without acknowledging the toll it takes on us.

We’ve forgotten how to practice self-love and appreciation. Instead, we’re caught up in a fast-paced, chaotic existence, all while berating ourselves for not keeping up. But what if we decided to change that?

Imagine creating a “Just for Today” list and actually committing to it. What if we replaced the resentment, anger, and frustration with love? Love in all its forms — compassion, forgiveness, patience, joy, kindness — and what if we started with loving ourselves?

Just for today, let’s embrace the mom we are.

It’s simpler than it sounds. Start by swapping that negative self-talk for something more uplifting:

• Just for today, when I wake up feeling impatient and resentful about the morning chaos, I won’t beat myself up. I’ll remind myself that I’m the only mom my kids need, and even on my worst days, my love is what they truly require.
• Just for today, when I catch sight of another mom who seems to have it all together while I’m still in yesterday’s clothes, I won’t feel envious. I’ll appreciate my body for all the ways it nurtures and supports my family.
• Just for today, when I survey the mess around me, I’ll tackle one small task and then let the rest go. I’m not in a competition for the cleanest home.
• Just for today, when doubts creep in and I feel like other moms are doing a better job, I’ll remind myself that appearances can be misleading. They’re likely struggling too, and their kids are not perfect, regardless of what their social media says.
• Just for today, when fatigue sets in and I find myself snapping at my kids or my partner, I’ll remember they don’t need me to be flawless. They just need me, as I am.
• Just for today, when my to-do list feels overwhelming, I’ll take a step back and focus on the bigger picture. It’s about embracing today and all its possibilities, instead of racing toward tomorrow. I’ll take my time, be kinder to myself, and recognize that the simple, everyday moments are what shape a lifetime.
• And just for today, when society and social media push me to feel like I’m falling short, I’ll remember the only people who can truly judge my parenting are the ones who would never do so. I’m not failing; I’m doing just fine — imperfect, messy, uncertain, and yet filled with love, laughter, and authenticity.

Today, I celebrated the mom I am. If I can hold onto that feeling for tomorrow, that would be a true victory.

For more insights on navigating motherhood, check out this blog post. If you’re on a journey to expand your family, Make A Mom offers valuable resources and guidance. And for additional information on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource.

In summary, let’s take a moment to embrace the mothers we are today, making space for love, acceptance, and kindness — both for ourselves and our families.