It’s far too easy to get insecure as mothers, isn’t it?
To look around at other bloggers, writers, crafters, cooks, or women in general and think that they have it all together? To think, “If only I could do this like her?”
But motherhood is tough enough without heaping extra doses of doubt, guilt, and insecurity on our heads.
It’s time for us to revel in who we are, the unique individual with amazing talents and skills we were destined to be.
Everyone has weaknesses, of course. But many of us focus on our weaknesses continually, which doesn’t serve us or our families.
Begin, today, to play to your strengths instead.
Let me give you an example: I hate puzzles. Always have, always will.
Even before I had kids, as a child myself, I remember reading or hearing that puzzles are good for developing fine motor skills and intelligence.
So occasionally I would buy a complex jigsaw and give it my best shot. Frustration always ensued. I just couldn’t wait to finish up so I could go read a book!
I would secretly worry that I wasn’t developing my full intelligence due to my lack of puzzle enjoyment. (Yep, I was an introspective child!)
Fast forward to my early mothering days. I found that I still hated puzzles just as much. Except now my worries were that my kids wouldn’t have fully developed motor skills, that they would be “behind” developmentally.
At times I would get the puzzles out, out of a sense of duty, only to find frustration still accompanied them.
Guess what? My kids have great motor skills! We figured it out in other ways, and it was fine.
When we do what we love, we revel in it.
We don’t have to conjure up feelings of enthusiasm–they’re already there. And our kids pick up on it quickly.
They love to watch us enjoy ourselves and be who we were meant to be.
When we play to our strengths, we are free to be ourselves. We pass the message on to our kids that discovering your passions is a joy–allowing them to find their passions, too.
So put the puzzles in the back of your closet, or take them out–whatever brings you joy.
Play to your strengths.
It’s a fun way to live.
Ready for more calm, less guilt, and quiet joy as a mother? Check out my Introverted Moms’ community, and add your name to the waiting list!
4 tips for weary seasons