For Mamas Worldwide.

Mama,

You do so much to uplift the children in your life.

This is a message to mamas everywhere, caregivers and educators and family support specialists, moms, mommies, Abuelas, Mimis, Mimas, Nonas, and all the fabulous humans with maternal instincts and ongoing care and presence and awe of the littles in your life:

You made it to this moment. Let’s breathe into that magic. Thank you for all that you do. Every freaking minute. The in-between moments, the incessant interruptions, the forever-logistics of getting out the door, the overloaded moments where you still show up with grace, the bedtimes from hell, the warmth and compassion you show your kids even when you are struggling to have it for yourself…

Guess what? It’s time to put on your compassion-oxygen mask. I am serious: honor yourself first.  You work so hard all day everyday to make this magic happen. Please remember all the Awesome that you actually just…are.

Dr. Kristen Neff and Tara Brach, Ph. D. have become sources of inspiration for me in moments of extreme fatigue and self-doubt. Maybe for you too:

“Imperfection is part of the human experience.”

–Kristen Neff

“Radical Acceptance is the prerequisite to change.”

-Tara Brach

Honoring ourselves does not have to be extravagant. It can be (for example) :

–One more minute in the shower, massaging your scalp and washing away yesterday’s shenanigans to make room for the possibility of today. 

–Stepping away from the heat of the moment with your child to yell into a pillow and release the smushed-up energy inside. 

–Jamming out to a great song alone in the car between logistics and giving yourself permission to sing along/rock out. This one is hitting home for me right now (“Not About You” by Haiku Hands).

–Texting a friend 

–Breathing deep in a moment of shame to re-calibrate your center and respond with both feet firmly on the ground. 

What do you do to honor yourself?