Mama Pep Talk

Dear Mama,

Here's a little early Christmas present.  

It's a letter I wrote just for you after being inspired by Rachel over at Finding Joy 

(who writes letters to fellow mama's), and feeling that I myself needed a little pep talk.

First things first, whether you have been a mother for one day or three decades- you have done it.  

You have proven you can do hard things.  Let that be your mantra as you struggle daily to survive the chaos.

 "I can do hard things" gets me through sleepless nights, kickass workouts, and those two hours near 

dinner time when my children attempt to push me over the edge.

Also try to remember that you will not always have little children. 

Some days that thought makes me sad, but other days it brings me peace.  

Someday I will be able to workout every morning without having to wake up at the crack of dawn.  

Someday I will be able to watch Dr. Phil uninterrupted.  

Someday I will be able to go to the bathroom by myself!  

Kelle Hampton over at Enjoying The Small Things shared a story in this post.  

She said that when she was in math class in high school, she and her fellow students flipped through the book to page 181 and were scared out of their pants!  At the end of that post she wrote this:

"For all the Page 181s we face: I'll lose the weight, I'll get out of debt, I’ll stop yelling at my kids so much, I’ll stop caring what people think, I’ll restore order to my home, I’ll save the money, I’ll learn to forgive, I’ll stop being so critical, I’ll repair that relationship…write it down, circle it, and start on page 1. Allow for sick days and extra time on some lessons. You’ll get there."

Hearing it put so eloquently, so simply, really made all my life goals seem manageable.  It made me think it can be done.  You can reorganize your garage, finish that craft project, complete that novel.  Don't say, "No, I can't."  Instead tell yourself, "One page at a time."  

Working on those goals may prove quite challenging with little ones at home "helping" you, but you can do hard things, remember?  And accomplishing them while so many other items on your to-do list are vying for your attention can be really satisfying.  And everyone knows a happy mama equals a happy home.

So as you head into the new year, make those resolutions BIG.  

Don't shy away from page 181, even though it's intimidating.  

You will get there.

You will!

You can do hard things.

Love always,

Shelly

P.S. Be sure to check out my blessings blog: Babyham Blessings to see my Days of Christmas Advent countdown, fun little updates each morning about what treasure the boys got and the little things that are making us smile each day of December.