Be The Imperfect Mom
Social media has made it easy to control which parts of our lives we share with the world. For instance, imagine you are standing in your living room. One side of the room is clean with all the pillows in place and not a toy in sight. It looks absolutely picture perfect. On the other side, toys and "life" are scattered about the area. If the living room is photographed from the unblemished side, no one can tell that there is a hot mess on the other side. From that perspective, the home looks magazine-worthy.
That living room can represent the lives we all lead as mothers. Unfortunately, we often choose what to show the world, and so do our friends and neighbors. When we look at other moms and see what looks like perfection, it is essential to remember that they are in the same boat as we are, trying to stay afloat. They desire the best for their children, and they, too, are striving to be the best mother to their kids. Every mother faces struggles and challenges each and every day. We all fall short of this social media target that the world has set before us, and I am grateful for one.
So what is the good news in all of this? You were made to be the perfectly imperfect Mom you are, and honestly, just be you…You with all your strengths, weaknesses, quirks, imperfections, and mistakes. They need the real you to keep pushing, keep them grounded, and show them that the "perfect" life they see online doesn't exist. They need to know that life is messy, beautiful, and complicated, but most of all,l that it's worth it no matter what angle the picture captures.
The man upstairs knew that your kids and friends would need the perspective, life, and love that only you can offer. You are the most imperfect perfect Mom and friend that those around you need in their life to help them grow.
"You may not be a perfect Mother, but you are the perfect Mother for your children."
Just Remember: You were created for such a time as this, and you were created to raise your kids with a passion and purpose that only you can. You are doing a great job at being a Mom. The important thing is that you get up every day and just keep going. Keep loving your kids, keep showing up and showing them that you are present.
Just keep being the imperfect Mama you are; that's exactly who this world needs you to be!
My child doesn’t have a perfect mom.
She has me.
Imperfect.
But I try, boy, do I try.
Sometimes it feels too small, not enough, like I’m letting her down.
Sometimes I have no clue what to do but I will still show up, stand there and cheer her on. Loudly.
Maybe I’m not perfect, maybe she won’t get everything, maybe life has good and bad days and a whole bunch of normal. But that’s okay.
I am teaching her to be real. To show up.
That it is good to proudly support those you love. That family is about being together. And that the best gift of all is, in fact, love.
Perfection is overrated.
~original words by Rachel Marie Martin
