Advice for when you feel like you’re failing at motherhood
Can we talk about finding beauty in the mess of things for a second? We all know that the internet can be an awful place. But I’ve also found so many wonderful things there, too…
For one, my IRL mom friends. We met on a local Zoom parenting group when I was a first time mom. And these cute shoes that I just ordered. But I also love the community of friends that I’ve found on Instagram of all places. We don’t know each other in the sense that we can grab a coffee at our favorite shop and complain about the weather and lack of fences around local playgrounds for little kids — city planners: WHY?? — but so much of life is the same no matter where you live.
And part of that is finding a way to get through the day as a mom when you feel like you just cannot any more. One of my Instagram pals recently shared this wisdom when I asked about surviving that hour before dinner that I thought was particularly helpful, and I’d pass it along to you:
“I have to say, as a mom of four who is now through this phase, it’s just hard, but it will end… I was so drained by nap time, I needed a break! It was a hard time, and looking back I would have done some things differently, but I’m also thinking of those things with the capacity that I have that I didn’t have at the time. We’re all doing the best with what we know and have capacity for. Hang in there, momma! This too shall pass!”
Isn’t that the kindest? Here are a few other things that warmed my heart this week. In case you could use some perking up, too.
We borrowed a sweet book called Bear with Me from the library this week. And I couldn’t help but notice that the mom (above) is a total fox. Usually in children’s books, the mom looks tired and haggard and like she’s two seconds away from the smoke detector is going off because dinner is burnt.
This article about Edith Ceccarelli turning 116 years old was truly delightful. What a life worth celebrating!
I finished Demon Copperhead a few days ago, and I’m going to be chewing on this one for a while. The writing was something to behold. I was hooked from the first sentence! It was sad and truthful and uplifting somehow all at the same time. It made me want to check out more of Barbara Kingsolver’s books because it was a masterpiece. A few chapters were a little slower going for me, but still 10/10. No notes.
This home makeover has me rethinking neutrals and being so scared of a color beyond blue. Wall papered ceilings! Pink armchairs! Who am I even these days?
This made me laugh so hard. And got me to thinking what props would I use? Maybe my Kitchen Aid mixing bowl? haha
This week’s book recs from Instagram are: Bride, The Unbreakable Code, The Friendship Study, None of This is True, Iron Flame, The Body Keeps the Score, and America Fantastica.
Have a fantastic weekend!
