We often talk about a variety of subjects in Motherhood but never The Unspoken Weight of Motherhood. For many of us Motherhood is a blessing, whether we have waited a long time to become a mother or it came quickly. I believe if you are reading this you believe Motherhood is a blessing, filled with many twists and turns BUT always a BLESSING. Here we will deep dive into 3 of those twists and turns that can often make mothers feel alone. This is meant to help you see that as much as we are different, we are very much alike.
1.) Mom Guilt
Let’s be honest, As I’m writing this post I am feeling a bit of Mom guilt. I fed my kids breakfast, let them do some morning crafts but now I have the screen-on for a little distraction while I type. It often feels that this is an overwhelming weight in Motherhood, The Guilt.
As a stay at home mom, I constantly feel guilty about needing to do anything besides sitting with them and playing. I often ask myself if I’m helping my kids or hindering them by having them stay home with me. I haven’t worked full-time outside of the house since I became a mom, but the times I have left for sometype of work, left me feeling guilty too. The feeling of overwhelming anxiety that my child’s needs wouldn’t be met by those left to care for them. The feeling of am I not prioritizing them if I take time to be away from them. I’d feel consumed with the guilt of stepping away from them for more than a moments time.
I’m not sure if you can relate but I’ve found that the only way to overcome Mom guilt is to speak truths. Such as: “I am still a good mom, when I _____________”. You fill in the blank with whatever it is. I recently just got to a place where I can go to the bathroom by myself without feeling guilty. So maybe you need to tell yourself. ” I am still a good mom, when I go to the bathroom alone for a few minutes”. It’s okay to trade the lies we tell ourselves for the truth.
In the Message Translation of the Bible it says: "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose." Proverbs 18:21 Speak life and truth over yourself my friends. They can shape your world.
2.) Loneliness/Loss of Identity
This one goes out to the Mamas out there trying to keep everyone else together while they are falling apart. I’ve been there, sometimes I still find myself there but please remember we can’t stay there. I don’t know what it is specifically that causes you to do step away from the world or even step away from who you know you are. But I encourage you to find that woman (find yourself) whom you know and love. Motherhood may have changed her but she is still beautiful and worthy of love. As someone who loves to stay in the comfort of my home and in my little world, I encourage you to step outside if you feel alone and start to say hello to others, first. Life wasn’t meant to be done alone!
3.) The Mental Overload
From managing daily schedules, planning meals, keeping a going list of what household items are needed, to doctors appointments. The mental overload in Motherhood is a heavy weight to carry. I consider myself to be a relatively organized person but I still find myself running back to the store, for an item I forgot. The exhaustion of helping your child learn life skills such as potty training to developing their knowledge through education. It’s a heavy load to carry, despite it being a privilege. I’ve yet to overcome this one but I just am here to say, you are not alone. It can be hard to manage everyone’s needs when we can barely manage our own. Just know we are in this together and I’m rooting for you!
This was meant to make you feel heard, and encouraged. I hope you can cast your cares upon the Lord as these loads are too heavy for us to carry alone. Wishing you a life filled with Peace, Friendship and Balance.
Love & Hugs,
xx Classically Faith xx
