I have a close friend, someone I adore very much. She is a fellow parent, a valiant mother, and an admirable guardian to so many people around her. Not just to her children, but to her husband, her family, her coworkers, neighbors and friends. The list is endless, because to her, there is always more to do, more to be given, more effort to be made.

All for the sake of others.

This season and always, I’m thinking about her, and wondering if she ever even notices how tremendous she is.

If only she could feel her own grace.

So many parents today strive to give the absolute best to their children and to their families, and why would we accept anything less, right? My expectations are high as well, but if we are here to engage in positive parenting, shouldn’t we be sure to think positively of ourselves as well?

When we are given the great responsibility of caring for a child, the world around us can suddenly become such a burden. We scare more easily, we mull more deeply and precious time seems to slip so quickly, day after day. Our own needs are pushed aside, if not forgotten, for the sake of those we love so wildly, and we begin to feel less than.

We begin to sense that our time and efforts are not quite enough, so we push ourselves harder and harder, and yet some sort of dissatisfaction lingers. The question remains, “What more can I do?”

I say, you can do less. Pause just a bit more to recognize the bounty in front of you, and mean it. Take this pause with kindness for yourself, and make room for reflection, spirituality, abundance and joy.

And most importantly, allow appreciation in. Take note when others commend you, and know that it’s ok to think well of yourself, because you should. The more we believe in ourselves, the greater our intentions will feel to our children and to those around us.

It’s important to strive greatly — I commend you, truly — and know that those around you do feel your love and hard work, just be sure you are offering it to yourself as well.

This season and always, you matter, too.

About the Author

Angela Tewalt is a writer, storyteller and mother to two boys. She shares parenting stories and inspiration in Guidepost Parent.

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