Ahhhh....

Imagine a breath of fresh air for your mom life. I've found one resource that's been just that for me. I've been struggling a lot lately with the stresses of life, parenting, being a wife, etc., and was at a particularly low point last week when God placed directly in my path just the right medium to reach me. Always having loved to read, I often used this to escape when I was younger.



I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids has proven to be an invaluable resource for me. I don't know about you, but I'm great at guilting myself over all the things I've decided a "good mom" does. Usually, though, those things are not completed, and the things that are really don't add to me, my family, or my goals. Or, if they do, I'm so stressed about making sure they're completed just so that the experience is lost.



I read reviews for it online after I'd read much of it. Most of the negative reviews stem from the idea that these moms are doing one of a few things...

1. Taking for granted the ability to stay home
2. Whining about the best parts of motherhood
3. Being unappreciative of the blessings (either children, finances, etc.) they've been given
4. Focusing on the wrong aspects of motherhood


My response, as well as the response the authors seem to have to these ideas are simple to say, but not always to remember. When you're tied up into the everyday, you lose sight of the ultimate goal. Loving the gifts you've been given is difficult when we add so many other things into our responsibilties as moms. It's somewhat like the way you realize how much your baby has changed when you look back at old photos. He's the same, and different. And I'm realizing how much I'm missing out on right now, by wishing for that what looks to be the ease of older kids. And sadly, what I have already wished away.


Most of what they discuss will make you laugh; some will make you cry (or if you're easily brought to tears, maybe much will do both :D ). I can say that much of the ideas seem commonplace, and are probably wisdom you've already received, or have wisely doled out. However, if you're like me, remembering to take the advice is quite another story.


So... I invite you to try out this resource. I'm thinking that I may order several copies of the book, and do a small discussion group here. I may even take it a step further and try to incorporate Christian ideals that aren't in the book itself. The book does, however, lend itself to this essay I found through Annie's blog. Her entry, It's The Pursuit, People, speaks to the idea that happiness isn't something simply bestowed upon you. Check it out!


On the I Was a Really Good Mom website, there are discussion questions that I think could really spark some intimate, healing conversations that would encourage some deeper thinking, deeper feeling, and deeper friendships that Jon, the essay writer, discusses.


Take some time for you, my sweet mom friends, and enjoy these few resources. Let me know what you think.