“Life is better being a mom.”
Dear Mama, We Made It
Hi friends, it's me, Jillian. I know it's been awhile and I've missed pouring out the thoughts of my soul with you. I've been gone because quarantine and parenting aren't exactly the easiest combination. It's especially difficult when thrown the added task of homeschooling. If this was you too, I'm applauding you! We can now proudly say, we did it!
The Never Ending Chaos of Motherhood
Motherhood is great, but one thing you will never hear is a mom tell you that it's easy. Whether you're a mother of one or ten, you'll definitely understand what I'm talking about when I say that it doesn't matter the amount of kids we have, the chaos surrounds us all.
Letting Your Kids Go Is Tough
Our kids are growing up faster than we'd like to admit. Newborns are quickly become walking and talking toddlers. Toddlers are quickly becoming bike riding, sentence completing elementary schoolers. Elementary kids are quickly becoming hormonal and fearless teenagers. Teenagers are quickly becoming grown adults, leaving the nest and heading off for life on their own. I'm sure it'll all be a blur one day as our kids leave the nest, but for now (those of us with fairly young children), we need to cherish only having to let go a little.
Being a SAHM Doesn't Mean You Have to Give Up Your Dreams
Twelve years ago, I began my journey being a hairstylist. I actually thrived in cosmetology school, unlike ordinary schooling. It was a place for me to be creative and artistic, something you don't get at a four year college. During cosmetology school, I began to dream about my future as a hairstylist. The longer I was in school and the more I got to do hair, the bigger my dreams became. I was truly excited about what the future would hold for me. Thirteen months of forty hour school weeks later, I became a licensed cosmetologist. I even had my dream salon job, at Toni & Guy, which I landed shortly before I graduated. This was one of those salons that took in only the best for their team. The training that came along with the job, was bigger and better than almost any other salon. I even got to train with some of the best hairstylists of all time, Zak Mascolo and Joseph Marzioli. The training was extremely difficult at times, but well worth it. My dreams while working there got even bigger. Then I got pregnant and my world flipped upside down in the best way possible.
I Am a Great Mom
Have you ever had that horrible sinking feeling creep into your head that you are a bad mom? Well, you are not alone! I have yet to meet a mom that doesn't feel that way about herself from time to time. Us moms tend to be constantly feeding into the lies that we are no good at what we do. We focus so often on our negative qualities that sometimes it doesn't allow for the good ones to shine through.
Focus On the Good Qualities
Can I just say that I loathe that us humans are so quick to focus on each other's bad qualities rather than the good ones?
"This girl never stops talking."
"That guy is too emotional."
"This person works all the time and never spends time with their family."
"That mom allows her kids to run wild."
"That parent can't manage to keep their house clean."
"This person texts me way too often."
The Comparison Game, the Thief of Joy
Have you ever caught yourself thinking about how someone else is better than you? Guilty! I know I'm not the only mama who feels insecure from time to time. We play the comparison game and guess what? We never win! Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we beat ourselves up so often? Why are we always comparing ourselves to other mamas? How do those moms do it?
8 Characteristics of an introverted extrovert mom
We all know the introverted moms. The moms that will quickly grab their kids from school and activities. They don't talk to other moms and try to not even make eye contact. Their struggle to interact with others is noticeable. Though they struggle, we don't take any offense, because we know they are just being who they are....introverted.
Then there are the extroverted moms. We all know who they are too. They know all of us. They know our names, our kids names, and I swear they even know our birthdays. They make a point to say hi to everyone and make them feel loved. It's easy for them to interact and create conversations. Kid birthday parties and play dates are their jam because it's a place to find more friendships. For them, the more the merrier!
Lastly, there are mamas like me, the introverted extroverts.
Mom Friends Forever
Parenting is beautiful and one of the greatest gifts, but's it is tough!! One of the best ways to lighten the load is by having mom friends! If you're confused about diapering, a funky rash, sickness, etc....call your mom friend. If you're excited about a first step, a first word, or that they managed to not have a blowout for a whole day....call your mom friend. If you're frustrated with the terrible 2's, the terrible 3's, terrible teens....call your mom friend. Shoot, if you are just struggling yourself and needing encouragement.... call your mom friend!