Motherhood is often auto pilot. It’s packing lunches, plugging in chromebooks, folding another load of laundry, and making sure no one skips a shower. Motherhood is also very intentional. We have to reserve conscious effort to schedule all the appointments, remember all the holidays, and manage all the activities. All the while navigating new phases, emotions, and needs from toddlers to teenagers. I sometimes find myself getting sucked into the never-ending lists and calendars and forgetting that I’m not doing this in isolation. Another mom out there is right alongside me in the mundane and the precious moments. It’s humbling to slow down and think about all the incredible mothers around me, giving it their all every single day. You inspire me, ladies. You make me better. We are literally raising the next generation of leaders, doers, and world-changers, and that is kind of a big deal. This month, it feels appropriate to recognize the grind that is motherhood and shine a spotlight on the ones holding it all together.
*Some of these examples represent more than one mom in a similar season of life, and I’m omitting names to reflect that and for privacy, but I’d like to shout out some of the women close to me (and some further away) who inspire me in my own motherhood journey. I hope you identify with these examples and draw strength and inspiration from them.
This mom went back to school. She is in the throes of navigating her kids’ school schedules and her own, and constantly wondering if she is being present enough. She is writing papers at dance competitions and finishing homework after football practice. She is rallying through late nights and deadlines, and still showing up to Muffins with Mom the next morning. She is disciplined and focused, building a better future for herself and her family, and I am so inspired by her grit.
This mom is at home with her kids all day, every day. She put her career on hold because she knows babies don’t keep, and she wanted a front row seat for every new milestone. She shows up with a smile and is always ready with a Band-Aid, an applesauce pouch, and endless encouragement. Her days are long, but she knows the years are short, and one day, when she’s back in business casual, she’ll ache for the era of couch cuddles. She is nurturing and steady, and the childhood foundation she is building will support a lifetime of whatever the world brings.
This mom opened her own business. She took a risk and left a system that was draining her to instead pour her heart and soul into something she believes in. She has had to miss field trips and forfeit days off while her business gets established. She tries to remember that it will be worth it in the end, as she gives it her all every single day. She is courageous and brilliant and is setting an example to her children that it might take long hours and sacrifice, but you can build something you’re proud of and use it to change lives.
This mom is balancing her job and her family, and constantly wondering if she’s doing it right. She handles daycare drop-offs, kindergarten bus stops, a full patient schedule, and keeps everybody afloat. Some days she’s running on fumes, and some days she conquers the world. She sets her alarm just a little bit earlier every morning to squeeze in a workout for herself before the rest of the day requires her to be selfless. She shows up with grace, drive, and plenty of caffeine. She wears so many hats and looks incredible in each one, and I am so honored to call her my best friend.
This mom is experiencing motherhood a second time and in a new way, through her grandchildren. She still gives mom advice and makes sure everyone’s bellies are full when her grown children come around, but she also shows up in the best way through her role as a grandma. She is first in line for babysitting duty, never misses a FaceTime call to celebrate an accomplishment or hear a story, and gives the best bedtime cuddles. She raised her kids and watched them soar, and now she is savoring the sweetness of the next generation. She is a listener, a cheerleader, a mentor, a lifeline. I am so thankful for you, Mom.
Raise your glasses, whatever they’re filled with, to the moms. The ones lifting up the next generation and so many around them, while their coffee and their dinner get cold. They juggle, they balance, they deliver, they overcome, and they encourage. Here’s to all of you, whatever season you’re in, wherever you are — we see you, we celebrate you, we couldn’t do it without you.
