As a mother, I need to remember these!

I found this online this morning and have adapted it for me, in my situation as a reminder to myself. 

For the days my low fuel light is on. For the days I just don't think we have it in me to read one more story, to pick up the toys one more time, wash one more round of clothes and tiny, tiny socks.  For the days when I think everyone else has it together. For the days I’m sure anyone else would do this job better.

For those days. Remember and repeat these words:mashed animal crackers, discarded toboggans from winter and unorganized diaper bags.  This too shall pass.

1. I shall not judge my house, my child's activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.

2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled and laughed into my child.

3. I shall say yes to Tupperware and mixing bowl stacking and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.

4. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with this child in the first place.

5. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.

6. I shall sing songs loudly and out of tune while teaching my child the joy of “white girl” uncoordinated dance.

7. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Neverland.

8. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.

9. I shall promise to love this body that carried, birthed, fed and nurtured a child, out loud, especially in front of my daughter.

10. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.  There is too much judgment in this world.  What works for me, may not work or be best for you.  At the end of the day, love is the most important aspect in raising a child.

11. I shall do my best to admit to my people my unattractive moments.  I am human.  I make mistakes. 

12. I shall say sorry when sorry is necessary.

13. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.

14. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my child.  Who cares if those impromptu dance moves aren’t quite right?  If they elicit a giggle, I have succeeded!

15. I shall love her father and make sure she knows I love him.

16. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.

17. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my SUV this season of smashed animal crackers, discarded toboggans from winter and unorganized diaper bags.  This too shall pass.

18. I shall always make time to encourage new moms, as I recall this from others and remember repeating some mantras during those early days.

19. I shall cherish every moment with my little girl, as you never know what tomorrow may bring.  Many people pray to have a day that I consider to be the worst.

20. I shall not resent the early weekend mornings but remember instead that when I blink she'll be in college.

... with love from one tired mother to another.