To the Mom too exhausted to continue,
I see you.
I see you working that extra shift.
I see you crying in the pantry with a chocolate bar in your hand.
I see you welling up with anger and frustration.
I see you buying another bottle of wine (cheers!).
I see you wondering if you have anything left to give your spouse at the end of the day.
I see you going through the motions.
I see you wanting more.
I see you downing that cold coffee like it’s your life source.
I see you wearing those worn out yoga pants for the 5th time this week.
You are not alone.
You are a good mom. No, a GREAT mom.
Anxiety is a lying c*nt.
It is ok to miss yourself.
It is ok to ask for help.
It is ok to be lost once and awhile.
I believe you are stronger than you think you are.
Self-care is not selfish.
Great women are forged in flame, made stronger by their struggles and hardships. But dear one, do not for one minute think that this is what defines you. You are more than your struggles and heartaches. These days seem long and arduous (and, sh*t, they are!) but they will not be your legacy. Your legacy will be showing your child(ren) what it is to struggle and THRIVE. Your legacy will be to remind your child(ren) that love persists even through the mud and muck called “life”. You are exhausted, I see that. You are also Mother Godzilla, I believe THAT to be the ultimate truth. Find your strength again and smash the sh*t out of today. If you need to take a bubble bath and cry first, do it. While you’re in there, take a couple deep breaths and remind yourself why you are struggling and what you are struggling for. I will give you a hint: they are cute as f*ck, annoying as hell, but love you more than anything. While we are talking about bubble baths, let me remind you that self-care is not selfish. Self-care makes you a better person and a better mom. Do what you can to connect with the person inside you that has always had your back, unequivocally. Some days that might look like doritos on the couch in your 5 day old yoga pants at 10 p.m. and other days that might look like a new hair-do and 2 hours to yourself. In any event, do what you can to feel like yourself whenever you find the opportunity. Schedule it if you have to but do not for one minute think that The You Inside Of You is gone. She might be buried deep down but she's there, waiting patiently for when you are ready to reclaim her.
