Last week was quite the rollercoaster ride. Picture this: me, with a broken ankle, trying to keep up with my house chores like a one-legged ninja. Not to mention, my family is missing out on their usual dose of play and intimacy – blame it on the ankle! Despite all this, I've been mustering up smiles like it's a full-time job. But hey, asking for help? That's a whole different story. Being neurodivergent adds a spicy twist to the mix, making it extra challenging for me to raise that white flag and ask for a hand. Who knew broken ankles could come with such a side of stubborn independence, right? Here's to hoping for smoother days ahead – and maybe a little less drama in the ankle department!
Parents frequently encounter this sentiment, with some occurrences persisting longer than others. It's common to perceive others as having everything perfectly sorted out. I've lost count of the times I've heard people say, "I need to reach your level" or "I wish I had it together like so-and-so." Why do we, especially mothers and women, tend to be so hard on ourselves? We burden ourselves with excessive tasks on our to-do lists, yet we continue to doubt our own capabilities.
Every mother who pours her heart and soul into raising her children deserves to know that she is doing an amazing job. If only they could see through the eyes of their children, they would be overwhelmed with love and gratitude. The same goes for partners who cherish and support their loved ones every day. Remember, running a home is not a competition or a performance review. Love is not earned through tasks completed or chores ticked off a list. It's about being there, showing up, and caring for each other. Trust in yourself, believe that you are more than enough, and know that it's perfectly fine to stumble or ask for help along the way- if you can that is.
Being compassionate towards yourself and acknowledging your efforts is crucial in nurturing relationships with your children and partner. Remember, you don't need to meet a certain standard to be loved by your family. It's okay to seek help and support when needed.
Embrace the power to define your own standards! Society's expectations may be high, but we have the strength to rise above them. Social media's influence can be daunting, but we can take control. In my work with clients, I advocate for limiting social media to 2-5 hours daily, tailored to individual needs and ambitions. I encourage focusing on content that truly speaks to you. Harness the algorithm to your advantage! My feed reflects my aspirations for positivity, productivity, and the women I admire. It's a source of inspiration that fuels my personal growth amidst the digital noise.
Whenever I experience a moment that is not so great, I find it helpful to motivate myself with thoughts about the importance of self-care. It's important to remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a vital need! It's similar to securing your own oxygen mask before assisting others. As the saying goes, "You can't give what you don't have." Let's make sure to prioritize self-care and keep ourselves energized and fulfilled!
Celebrating small victories is essential. Recognizing our efforts as parents and partners fills our minds with positivity. Progress is made through small steps, so it's vital to acknowledge and rejoice in these achievements. And if you fall short of your goals? Be kind to yourself. "Give grace" has been my mantra for the past five years. When I became a single mom, I learned the importance of giving myself grace. Despite being a full-time college student with two special needs children and dealing with the aftermath of my marriage, I was too hard on myself initially, thinking I deserved less due to my mistakes. When I finally showed myself compassion and kindness, I realized that it was okay to make errors. Nobody is flawless. I had to remind myself to treat myself as gently as I would a friend in a similar situation, and that's what I continue to do now.
Navigating the challenges of adulthood, especially in the midst of personal struggles like a broken ankle or neurodivergence, can be overwhelming. It's important to remember that perfection is not the goal, and it's okay to ask for help and show yourself compassion along the way. Embracing your own standards, limiting the influence of societal expectations and social media, prioritizing self-care, and celebrating small victories are all essential components of finding balance and fulfillment in your role as a parent, partner, and human.
So, let's continue to give ourselves grace, acknowledge our efforts, and remember that we are more than enough just as we are. By nurturing ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can create a more loving and supportive environment for our families and ourselves. Here's to smoother days ahead, less drama in the ankle department, and a renewed sense of strength and resilience as we navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. You've got this!
Love and Light,
Angel Medina
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