We’ve all been there… many times. And we’ll go there many times again. I’m referring to those difficult moments in mothering - the ones that drag us down, wear us out, make us question our abilities, and cause us extreme angst.

If you are a mother, you’ll go there. May my wishes for you be a gift upon your arrival.

Wishing you…

… confidence in your mothering abilities even when you feel like you are the world’s worst, even when it’s hard, when you could have handled it differently, or when you are beating yourself up. You can do it, even when you think you can’t.

… strength to get through the moment(s), to finish out the day, and to feel the joy and relief when the moment has passed. Our children often leave it behind long before we are able to. I wish you the strength to move beyond the moment without carrying any residual ill-feelings.

… a voice to release the anguish to your friends or partner, to write as a way of releasing, to help you realize you are not alone. I wish for you the voice to be vulnerable, to cry, and to ask for help.

… a moment to get away and regroup, to calmly breathe and watch it pass, where the storm breaks and you can see your way out. I wish for you an opportunity to rejuvenate and recharge.

… energy to carry on, to fill you after you’ve been depleted, to move forward to the next thing. I send you energy to calm you, nourish you, and guide you.

In your darkest moments, I’ll be there for you. I hope you find comfort in knowing we have all been there, and we will all be there again. I wish for you these things in the hope that they will help carry you through the difficult and most challenging mothering moments.

Most importantly, do not allow this moment to define you. Your children certainly don't. And, if you need help, do not hesitate to ask for it.

“There will be so many times you feel like you’ve failed. But in the eyes, heart, and mind of your child you are Super Mom.” - Stephanie Precourt