The Truth About Mom Guilt
- Lindsay Adelle
- May 31, 2017
- 3 min read
Guilt
Anyone else have days where guilt piles up and we feel like we can't escape it?
These are some things I've felt guilty about and worried about:
Feeling guilty for going out and leaving kids with a babysitter.
Feeling guilty about asking someone to watch the kids.
Has my child ate enough today? Have they ate enough fruits and veggies? (feeling guilty about feeding/bribing my kids with those "unhealthy" snacks - you know what I'm talking about ha!)
Did my child sleep enough today?
Did I spend enough time with them today? Did I spend enough time reading to them, talking with them, was I on the phone too much today, did work interfere with time spent with the kids, did I miss any special moments with them, did we go outside a lot and burn enough energy, have they pooped? (lol, but seriously bowel movements are important to parents am I right?!)
Feeling guilty about wanting a few minutes to myself, locking my kids out of the washroom to go alone for once! , raising my voice, wanting a moment of silence, time to do things I want to do, feeling guilty about selfish thoughts.... and repeat this cycle a thousand times.
Changing my Thoughts
It took me so long to realize that as moms, wives, friends, sisters (etc.) we worry about so many things and feel the guilt pile up as we ask ourselves: are we enough?
We can be our own worst enemy at times letting these things get in our heads. As a mom I have struggled so much with feeling guilty and letting that guilt turn into anxiety. And this can spiral out of control until you feel so down about yourself. Instead of recognizing the beauty in each day, I can be haunted by thoughts of inadequacy.
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
Anyone else need to read this over and over again? It's like my brain reads it, but my heart doesn't always accept that it's true. But it is! How amazing that we are each uniquely created as His masterpiece, created new in Him so that we don't have that guilt anymore! So whatever is bringing you down, I'm making it a mission to remember that we have been made new and God can handle our burdens, as long as we trust in him. You are enough!
Taking Time for Me
It took me awhile to really see the value in that the best thing we can do for ourselves is taking "me" time, as well as spending time in the Word. I used to think, I love my kids, why would I ever want to be apart from them? (what was I thinking?! haha) I still love them SO much, but now I treasure those moments of quiet, or dates I can go on with other people, ice cream dates with my husband, doing an activity or hobby, unplugging from technology and looking UP instead of down, exercising without a toddler on my back, reading a book and digging into God's word without interruption. I won't say I'm perfect at this, but when I actually read God's word and pray, the weight of all those worries and guilt disappears. I realized that taking time for "me" is so refreshing and recharging and makes me be a better mom and person. So don't feel guilty about wanting time to yourself as it is SO beneficial to your heart and your sanity! haha!
It Is Well
When I get obsessed with a song, it gets played on repeat for months on end haha! I've been obsessed with this song for a long time - It Is Well - Kristene DiMarco. It has encouraged me in tough times, and reminds me of His faithfulness.
"And the mountain that's in front of me, will be thrown into the midst of the sea"
"So let go my soul and trust in him. the waves and wind still know his name"
I hope you are all having a great week so far!
Love,
Lindsay
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