Here's to Us, Moms Who Try

Moms are often categorized depending on their situation or preferences on how they raise their children. There are OC moms, freestyling moms (I usually fall under this category), breastfeeding moms, working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms, the list goes on. And while it's true that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to motherhood and our parenting approach, there is one thing we all have in common: WE ALL TRY.

 

From the moment our kids were born, we haven't stopped trying.

We try to nourish them the best way we can. We breastfeed them, even though we know within the first latch that it is going to be painful and uncomfortable. We strive to make healthy lunches and snacks and make our kids try even just one bite.

We try to discipline our children. We try to make sure they've learned their lesson without traumatizing them. To find the balance between being firm and being compassionate. We try to keep our cool even though inside we already want to explode. 

Working moms try to secure the future of their kids, even if it means spending time apart. Stay-at-home moms sacrifice their careers to nurture their children, and try to attend to their every need. Single moms try to give their kids a happy family by taking on the role of mother and father. 

We try to shield them from all the hurt, pain and bad things in this world. We try to protect them as much as we can, but also, try to let go of them a little to give them room to grow. 

We try to stay fit. We keep pushing, keep running on the treadmill, and try to squeeze in a quick workout no matter how busy we are just to see a semblance of that post-baby body back. We try to stay healthy and feel beautiful, for our children, our husband and most especially for ourselves.

And despite having our hands full with motherhood, we still try to be a good wife, a good daughter, a good sister, a good friend. 

We try to make the world a better place for our kids. We stand up with other women against bullying, sexism, racism and do our part so that our children can have a kinder place to live in. 

We try even though we're scared. We try even though we're really, really tired. 

There are times when it may even seem like we're trying too hard. When we feel like we're not cut out for this job.

But I realized, isn't trying a good thing to teach our kids? What's one thing all successful people have in common? They persevered. They tried and tried to achieve something, to get where they are today. Because if they didn't even try and still end up with everything they want, that isn't success. That's entitlement. I want to teach my kids to try, experience failure at some point, but continue to strive and then feel that exhilaration when they've finally accomplished something. 

We try every single day to give our best to our kids. There are times that we fall short. Many times we feel like quitting, but we don't. We get up and we keep trying. We keep trying because we love them. That's what makes us a good mother. 

So on this day that is meant to recognize our contribution to society, I realized that the dedication that we put into trying and not giving up for our family is something worth celebrating.

Today, I pray for wisdom to envision our dreams for ourselves and for our families, courage to pursue it, patience to persevere amidst challenges and grace to face failure without breaking our spirit. 

Happy Mother's Day to us, beautiful trying moms!