Confessions of an Unfit Mother

1. I don't grind my own wheat.
2. I don't bake my own bread.
3. I don't sew all my clothes--I can't even sew a button on or hem a pair of pants unless fabric glue is involved.
4. I don't have a home garden.
5. I don't do my own canning from the bounteous harvest of aforementioned garden.
6. We sometimes have "t.v. days" cause I just don't have the energy to plan great and exciting things for my kids to do.
7. I don't keep a journal for myself or for my amazing children.
8. Sometimes I can't sneak a shower into my crazy day.
9. I let my kids eat unhealthy snacks.
10. I don't shop with coupons.
11. I always seem to forget my reusable grocery bags when I go shopping thus increasing my carbon footprint.
12. I bribe my kids with candy.
13. Sometimes my kids go days without a bath.
14. It takes me days to do laundry cause I'll start a load and get so distracted I wont remember to switch it till days later at which point I have to re-wash the load.
15. I often forget to read my scriptures/say my prayers.
16. I screen my calls a lot--even those from dear friends.
17. I seem to live a lot in the "What if" mode and let my beautiful reality pass me by.

And this is only a partial list. I woke up this morning knowing it was going to be "one of those days." And then for a split second the negative thoughts began to surface--how I should be doing more of the good things and less of the bad things, and berating myself for not living up to these self-imposed expectations I feel I have to live up to. But you know what? I'm a good mother! My children are happy and healthy and thriving. I have the awesome blessing of getting to stay home with them. I am here for them whenever they need me. And although I may not be readily available when they come to me they always know I am close by. I need to quit beating myself up for all the things I don't do and start recognizing all the good I do.

In the words of Stewart Smalley: I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like me.

Thanks for joining me for this mini therapy session. I feel better.