Being a mom is awesome! From my heart to yours, Happy Mother’s Day! Every day overflows with opportunities to love, teach and guide our children, whether they are newborn or have children of their own. Occasionally, I pat myself on the back and say, “Wow, you handled that situation well!” And the other 364 days of the year, I shake my head and say, “Oh, boy…I wish I would have handled that differently.” But the great news is that every day, we have an opportunity to become the strongest mom. So what are you doing to become the strongest mom?
As I thought about that question myself, I reminisced about this past year and created this short video of my Top 10 Memorable Moments:
And after the laughter and some tears, I thought about 10 Ways To Become The Strongest Mom:
1. SHOW COMPASSION INSTEAD OF PASSING JUDGMENT.
2. PRACTICE HUMILITY INSTEAD OF BEING PRIDEFUL.
3. LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY INSTEAD OF REJECTING.
4. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY INSTEAD OF INTERRUPTING.
5. BE ACCOUNTABLE INSTEAD OF BLAMELESS
6. FORGIVE FREQUENTLY INSTEAD OF CONDEMNING.
7. COMMUNICATE OPENLY INSTEAD OF SUPPRESSING.
8. APOLOGIZE HABITUALLY INSTEAD OF MAKING EXCUSES.
9. VALIDATE EFFORT INSTEAD OF CRITICIZING THE OUTCOME.
10. EMBRACE THE CHAOS INSTEAD OF SEEKING PERFECTION.
Becoming the strongest mom begins with a desire in my heart and willingness to try. If I quit and throw in the towel, how can I expect my children to go through life any differently? Maybe this list doesn't resonate with you. If it doesn’t, challenge yourself and think about the ways you can become the strongest mom.
What is my litmus test to know if I’m heading in the right direction? When one of my kids smiles at me and says, “Mama, you didn’t yell todayJ”
Sometimes it is hard to stay positive in a sea of negativity, or when you are dealing with grief, loss or disappointment. Instead of being paralyzed by the pain, surround yourself with loving memories of the first time you held your child in your arms and find a way to make your heart happy this Mother’s Day.
Sophocles once said, “Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life.” My children are my anchors, and mean the world to me. On this Mother’s Day, I celebrate them, for giving me the opportunity to be their Mom.
Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com? website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication. To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.