There is Only One Mom Like You {Dear Best Friend...}

It happened today. I compared myself to another mom. She makes it all look so easy. She is gorgeous, organized, laid back, her kids behave, they are outgoing, I know her house is clean, she seems to have it all together. As you step into motherhood you will be tempted again and again to compare yourself to that mom. You'll meet her at a playground, in your church group, at the beach. You may even be related to her. You will get the impression that she has it all figured out. 

Four years and two kids later, I know that I know better. I know comparing myself to others is foolish. I am me. There is no other mom on earth like me. Our family is unique, our kids are unique, my kids need me as their mother - not someone else. All of the imperfect me. All of the 'not blogging material' me. 

There will be days you'll be thinking "How does she make it look so easy?" 

What you really need to ask is "How can I figure out what works best for our family?" There is no right way, there is your way. All you really have to do is listen to your motherly intuition. When your baby is first put into your arms, you will know what they need. You can read and research. You can talk to other moms. You can exchange wisdom. But ultimately this is your story, your life, your kids and you don't have to be like anyone else. Let go of any guilt or envy, embrace this as inspiration to be an even better mom - knowing full well that nobody is perfect. Knowing that looks can be deceiving. 

You may remember my words several years down the road, when you are frazzled and sleep deprived and you get a glimpse of the life of another mom - put together, fresh, 'perfect'. Have you stepped into her home on a busy weekday? We all may have good moments and good days, but all moms have bad days. When things just seem to unravel. When the kids push all our buttons. 

Let's just focus on figuring out what makes a good day for our family. What makes a good lifetime for our kids. What can you do today to make tomorrow better, without regrets?

There is no other mom (or mom-to-be) on earth like you. 

PS: As a reader you may sometimes get the impression of me as a 'perfect' mom! I assure you, I am anything but! I have good days and bad days. I loose my temper, I let the dust bunnies run, my laundry piles up. I am human, trust me! My blog is meant to be inspiring, not to make you feel guilty. Take everything with a grain of salt and I hope what I share inspires you to be an even better mom to your children and better wife to your husband.

Do you ever find yourself comparing your self to other moms or your kids to other children?

This post is part of a series called {Dear Best Friend...}. See previous posts below:

How to Pick the Best Stroller for Your Baby

Surviving the Glucose Test

Baby Must Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and No-Need-to-Haves

My Best Friend Will Be a Mom!