“It occurred to me the other day, that since I have a blog, and frequently share things I’ve learned about mental health and specific disabilities, some might view me as setting myself up as an expert.
Let me clear up any confusion right now.”
Read more. . .
Today I have a special treat for you. I recently had a dear friend design some t-shirts for me. T-shirts with inspirational sayings are one of my more recent favorite things as I wrote about here. I had her use the two taglines I use for my blog- Read more…
Recently my daughter has been asking to start a blog of her own. As we have the ability to make it private and only let specific people read it, we agreed.
I spent an hour or so one Saturday helping her set up the mechanics of a blog. I tried to be as hands-off as possible, to let her be in charge. I kept reminding myself it was her blog, not mine.
She had been working on her first post for a while when I happened to glance down and see what she named her blog- “An Extraordinary Girl”. That made me smile. Then I paused and reflected.
When I was thinking of what to name my blog and what I wanted it to be known by, I wanted people to know that I’m no one extraordinary. I’m just a Mom who has a passion for writing and social justice. Anyone could be writing words similar to mine but I am the one standing up (virtually) and saying them. I’m just “An Ordinary Mom”, and that’s okay. Ordinary Mom’s can do extraordinary things.
It struck me however how completely opposite her blog name was to the one I had chosen. “An Extraordinary Girl”, it made me smile. It made me happy to realize she thinks of herself in that way. The world will be telling her soon enough that she isn’t. I love her confidence in herself and who she is with that statement. She is extraordinary. There is no one else out there like her. She’s a daughter of God, a person of great worth. I hope she keeps this close to her heart as she grows and experiences life. It reminds me that I too am extraordinary in my own right and not just “An Ordinary Mom”.
I recently contemplated going back to work after a break of 10 years and have sent out a few resumes. Someone who was helping me with my search recently asked, “What would your perfect job be?” That stumped me for a minute. What was my perfect job? And then it hit me. I’ve had my perfect job for the last 11 years. I just never realized it.
All my life I’ve wanted to be a Mom. I have two kids and would have liked a few more but that wasn’t the cards I was dealt. I’ve been extremely blessed that most of the time since my children were born I’ve been able to be a stay-at-home Mom.
But my Motherhood has not come easy, or without lots of trials as Motherhood often does. There have been times when we’ve had to make life-changing decisions about one of our children. My husband has deployed to Iraq and has spent a lot of our married life apart from us due to the military or other work. There are all the sleepless nights (and I like my sleep!), endless messes, endless headaches, never a private moment once your first child leaves your womb. That is what Motherhood is.
But Motherhood is also those sweet tender moments cuddling that sweet babe. Kissing those kissable cheeks. Watching them as they experience the wonder of the world is magical. Watching them become more and more independent as the years go on makes you simultaneously want to celebrate their accomplishments and their needing you less, and make you want to cry.
The job I have had for the last 11 years has been the hardest job I’ve ever held. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My kids are my world.
It’s time to start a new chapter in my life, likely it still won’t be working outside the home due to the issues we experience with our son and autism. But it’s time to shift focus a little. I will forever be grateful that I have had this opportunity to be just, “An Ordinary Mom”.
Before you leave check out the book review of the book Unbound and check out a chance to receive a free copy.
