Have you ever questioned whether you are a “good mom“?

I find myself constantly questioning that. Which is silly, right?

Every time I do something without my kids to fill my own cup, I feel like I am doing something wrong. I have to shift my mindset to recognize that I am still a person, too.

I think because I am so lucky that I have so much help in the parenting department, between my husband and my mother in law, that sometimes I feel guilty.

I know that not everyone has the same luxury. Some people struggle to just find someone to watch their kids for an afternoon, or they never get time to themselves outside of being a mom.

I am lucky enough that the people in my life understand that I need to do things without my kids sometimes to feel fulfilled and they respect that.

Something I am putting a lot of energy into is controlling my thoughts. Because, honestly, that’s the most important thing.

What does it matter what anyone else thinks of you?

Every single day I say to my kids “do you know that I love you?” And their response is “yes, mom, you tell me that every day.” But that’s what matters most. That my kids know they are loved and taken care of.

Speaking kindly to myself has made all the difference in the world for my mental health. I once thought it wasn’t a big deal what I thought of myself, but in reality, that is the BIGGEST deal.

If I can look in the mirror every day and know that I am being the best version of myself, that is all that matters.

I am strong. I am capable. I am resilient. I am imperfectly perfect just the way I am.

I want my kids to think all of these things about me. I want them to know that they are my priority, but I also make myself a priority. I want them to know that self love is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give to yourself.

I want them to always know their worth; to look in the mirror every day and be able to say kind things to themselves.

I never want them to question how much I love them.

I think the most important thing to remember is that if you worry about being a good mom, it’s because you already are one.