We have a tendency to focus on what didn’t get done during the day or our less than skillful parenting moments.
Having a newborn has asked me to celebrate the smallest of parenting victories as I navigate my day. I celebrate keeping the kitchen cleaned up all day or staying one step ahead of the kids and their crazy messes. (And not necessarily on the same day.) I celebrate laughing more than I cried. The day I took them grocery shopping for the first time I celebrated all day long and told myself I was exempt from any other task. Celebrating the everyday little victories makes me feel like supermom and when when I feel good I get more done, I am happier and most importantly, I am a better mom.
This was the first day I was all by myself with the kids after Ninu was born. My parents had gone home and Stone had to work. I got everyone dressed, packed a bag and walked over to Gretel’s house. Heck, I even took a picture. I felt really good in this moment–like I could do it because I was doing it.
So for a moment, let’s drop the big dreams and goals and pat ourselves on the back for the little things. In my book, getting to the end of the day with everyone alive and some piece of sanity is well worth a celebration. (And if you didn’t make it with your sanity that’s okay too–we all have meltdowns once in awhile.)
Sing it loud mamas–let’s celebrate your everyday victories. I want to hear them!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for writing this. It is exactly what I needed to read today!
Good for you, Mama! I remember celebrating the first time I took 2 to the grocery store! My victory today is simply changing my tone to change my mood (over and over and over and over again!) ;)
and repeat. ;)
I love these little snips of post-babymoon.
Boy I needed this too! Not just today, I need this EVERYday!
i’m recovering from a string of crazy 12-hour days at the farm and REALLY needed to read this today.
thank you!!!!!!
xo
~e
I took 2 kids grocery shopping today and NO ONE CRIED. Not even me. Big, huge victory around here.
@Laurie, @Kimberly, @Erin
I’m so glad. It’s really been working for me and I want to celebrate with all of you. The daily miracles we make happen should not be overlooked.
@amber
That is seriously no joke. making it out of the grocery store alive is nothing short of a miracle.
So very much what I need to focus on. My smaller and somewhat bigger victories:
I’ve done two days in a row of PT. I’ve played and played for several days straight without stressing about “should do’s”. I had a great conversation with my hubby, in which we connected and shared and came to realize how we could each meet the others’ needs. I recognize that life is fluid and that things take practice and that I can just keep going while it works itself out. I’ve eaten 100% gluten-free for four days straight. AND I sold a photo.
I just need to keep my eyes on these moments.
Tara–woot! That is impressive! Funny how the little victories seem to add up when you take stock. (Congrats on selling a photo).
Sistergirl,
Yay. I can relate to this. today I spent nearly an hour transforming a transformer with my son. We did not fight, or walk away frustrated. Even after he gave up, I continued and yay..success. It sounds so dumb, but the toys are complicated and I did not give up. it was one of those moments and he kissed me on the arm as I was opera singing my glorious triumph.
So….how ridiculously hard are some of those transformers? We had this one that was perfectly fun for Sol and everyone since then has just been a frustrating toy. I am impressed you figured it out! Rah rah–celebrate!