If the title of this Hot Mess post caught your attention, you’re probably too hard on yourself. Most moms are. It’s time we women join forces to put an end to that. I’m here to tell you that you are beautiful. You’re a good mother. You have mad skills. (Okay, I don’t know you so I don’t know what your mad skills are but I would bet a pay check that you have some.) This post is all about motherhood tips to boost your spirit. I’ve got your back but do you have your own?
Let’s find out. Do you do one or more of the things on the following list?
- Secretly watch other moms and feel that they’re doing it better than you (Define “it” any way at all.)
- See flaws when you look in a mirror
- Wish you could be different than you are
- Feel jealous of another woman’s life
- Eat when you’re sad, mad or frustrated
- Scroll Pinterest and then feel dissatisfied with your home decor
- Feel overwhelmed and disappointed when you can’t fulfill every task in your planner
- Lack confidence but try to hide that fact
- Doubt yourself as a wife, mother or woman
- Run yourself ragged because you think it’s non-productive or lazy to sit and do nothing for a change
Motherhood Tips to help you break bad habits
Did you find one thing on this list that you do on a regular basis? Can you can check off every item as something you do or have done? If so, we’ve got our work cut out here but hang with me for a few minutes and I’ll give you tools for change. It’s almost as though moms have an instinct toward feeling inferior. Almost, because it’s not really true and not meant to be that way.
These motherhood tips might help shift the tide. It’s time to get out of the rut and on an upward spiral. You deserve better than you’re giving yourself.
What motherhood tips do you give to others?
I’d venture to guess that at some point in your journey you’ve encouraged or inspired another mother. Why are we so good at that but rotten when it comes to being our own cheerleader? Resolve to change the perpetual negativity you bring to your own life. Do at least one of the things on the next list each week and see where it takes you:
- Smile at yourself in the mirror and replace every negative thought with a positive statement out loud.
- Do something other than eat when you feel sad, mad or frustrated.
- Sit on your porch, take a walk or rest on the couch for a while.
- Take a nap.
- Stop comparing yourself to other women.
- Believe that you have just as many good qualities as the other women in your life.
- Confidently be who you are.
- Embrace your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
You’re a better wife and mother if you have peace of mind and a joyful, thankful heart. Stop beating yourself up. Be understanding, forgiving and compassionate toward yourself as you are toward your mom friends.
Motherhood tips can change your life
Years ago, I read one of those habits-of-successful-people books and a particular phrase was life-changing for me. The author suggested “acting as if” to overcome fear or hesitation and to build self confidence. For instance, if you’re asked to speak in front of a crowd and you’re having anxiety, “act as if.” How would you look as you step out on stage if you were a professional public speaker? What would you say? How would you act? If tens of thousands of people would pay money to hear you speak because you’re a famous orator, what would that look like?
To “act as if” means that you act as though you already are the way you want to be. Trust me. It works. Once you get the hang of it, the sky’s the limit.
Take baby steps toward a less stressful life
It’s good to encourage, support and inspire other women. However, I’m challenging you to be your own champion. Break one bad habit at a time. If you have certain goals, that’s fine; in fact, it’s a good thing. For instance, if you think you’ll feel healthier by losing 10 pounds, go for it. Just don’t let those extra 10 pounds make you a hater (toward yourself).
Make a list. State five things that make you attractive. Next, list five ways you can change to become more attractive (not just in appearance but personality). You can create other lists of five, such as five skills you have that make you a good mom and five new skills you’d like to acquire. You control the lists. They don’t control you. Use them to grow stronger, more energetic, kinder, more laid back, more *insert whatever*.
Motherhood tips that prompt positive changes
You know that person at a meeting who shows up with an endless list of whines and complaints? The same person who, when asked for prospective solutions to the problems he or she has cited, suddenly has nothing to say? Yeah. Don’t be that person. Decide what you need to feel less stressed, more joyful, more at peace in life and help yourself get there!
