Moms, Know your Worth!
As I read the words, I felt a pain in the pit of my stomach. “I just don’t feel like I’m worthy of being featured.” I have listened to and read many heart-wrenching stories from moms over the past few months, from post-partum depression to loss. But these words broke my heart. It saddened me to know that a good mother, a wonderful mother, with wisdom and talents and light to share with the world, felt that she wasn’t deserving of that space and honor.
There is so much pressure on mothers. Pointed fingers, harsh words and judging eyes seem to constantly chase us, creeping around every corner. They come from strangers, family members, friends, acquaintances, other moms and even ourselves. Sometimes the judgments and comments make no sense, one contradicting the other. Your own mom might wholeheartedly believe in one method, your mother-in-law in an entirely different one, and you the mom, might not believe in either. It’s hard to “drown out the noise” and forge our own path forward or see the value in our own selves as mothers.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the last time I received such a response to my invitation to feature a mother on I Speak Mom. I’ve had moms tell me that they didn’t think they were exciting or inspirational enough to be featured. So, this Mother’s Day, I have 3 wishes for you moms.
1. I wish that you will take some time to think about how amazing you are. You have accomplished one of God’s greatest miracles in bringing other human beings in to this world. You have sacrificed your body, sleep, nourishment, entertainment, and God knows what else to be the best mom that you can be to your little ones or big ones. Revel in that thought for a few moments, feel proud of it and love yourself for it. Ignore that inner voice telling you, you’re not good enough. None of us are perfect, we’re human. Forgive yourself! Step back, admire and love yourself, the way your children love and admire you.
2. I wish that you will treat yourself. Too often we get our feelings hurt, because we wait for someone to tell us how much we're worth, or show us how much we're worth with gifts. The weight of our own value comes from the outside. When the appreciation we are hoping for from a husband, children or other family members, isn’t delivered as expected, our self-worth is crumpled like a piece of paper. Moms, you don’t need anyone else to tell you that you’re special. Love yourself and know that you’re special. Do something this week to treat yourself. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful to be appreciated by others, but it’s the icing on the cake. Give yourself the cake, and let the “others” frost it for you!
3. I wish that your family and friends shower you with gifts that will help to replenish your body, mind and soul. Clothes, jewelry, flowers, chocolates etc. are all very nice to get. But most moms that I talk to would appreciate some time to themselves, whether that means a few hours of babysitting so you could go out for a walk, or a day at the spa. Moms need and want some “me time”. So, significant others, if you're reading this, skip that new household appliance. Surprise mom with an opportunity to take care of herself. When she comes back refreshed and happy, you’ll be sure to benefit too!
Happy Mother’s Day Moms! Pat yourself on the back, give yourself a hug and savor that mimosa, prosecco, or beer, with your feet up. You deserve it!
If you enjoyed this post take a moment to sign up for updates, announcements and chances to win giveaways from ispeakmom.com
© Nicola Rios Nogales and ispeakmom.com, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicola Rios Nogales and ispeakmom.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
