The Mission Of A Mother
I can be an idealist when it comes to motherhood.
If the past few years have taught me anything about motherhood, it’s that idealism is dangerous.
Have ideals, but don’t measure your success against them.
When I have a great day with the kids I think “Win!” and when don’t I think “Fail”. While I can see how crazy that is, that doesn’t stop me from swinging from the highs that come with the great days and moments of motherhood to the depths of “why am I a such a crap Mum?!”
As I’ve mentioned many times, I had a very idealistic vision of what motherhood would look like for me, and to date very little of that picture has come to fruition.
I need a new picture.
So I’m creating for myself a challenge. To think about me – about the things I believe matter, and that I want to prioritise – not what others do or what my kids my want but what matters to me in being a Mum.
And I’m starting now.
What I want to do is write a motherhood mission statement. I want a mission statement that gives me a picture of what I am trying to achieve as a Mum – the values and practices that matter most to me so that when I am tempted to feel like I am failing, I have something realistic and tangible to measure myself against. I want to see the real wins for what they are, and same for the times I feel like I’m not doing a good job.
I’m going to get started right here on my blog and I’d love your input, I’m even going to invite you to join in with me. I am so excited about this!
A mission statement is something enduring – it’s not bound to a stage of parenting or a season of life but incorporates your goals.
Week 1 Challenge: What are the words that come to mind when you think about the Mum you want to be?
Before I can form a new picture of motherhood for myself, I need to work out the things that matter to me. I’m going to do that via a list of words because that’s how I work, but images or songs or anything could be used for this.
Some of the words that come to mind are faithful, fun, secure…
I’m no Seven Cherubs motherhood guru, but this is important to me. I need to do something proactive to change my mindset about myself as a Mum.
If you would like to join in please let me know in the comments. If you don’t have a blog but want to join in you can do so in the comments too – or keep a journal and just check in with me to let me know how you are going.
Update: I will put a link up next Monday so if you feel like joining in and sharing your words please do – I’ll also post mine and share the second step :)
Mummble
Stitch Baby + Kids
Sounds like a plan.
Look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Here are some words for you:
Flexible, crazy, reliable, consistent, wrong, approachable, dynamic, innovative, paint splattered, glitter covered, shiny, strong, independent, creative.
Oh you have me thinking… after a ranting session this morning I am once again looking hard at myself as the one who needs to change, rather than my children… who, after all, are just kids!
katepickle recently posted..Lovely Links – Lets Make Bread
What a great idea Louisa! I really like that idea – a mummy mission statement. Developing your own and not resting on all of the preconceived ideas society gives us. I’ll be looking forward to see what you come up with and thinking about it myself.
Caz recently posted..Where do you send a Mummy when she breaks down?
Love your thoughts on this Louisa. I have a whole bunch of words that come to mind when I think of the mother I want to be: gentle, loving, kind, consistent, reliable, real, available, mindful, fun and focused just for starters. I love that you are writing down your thoughts and coming up with a plan and encouraging others to do the same. So looking forward to what you come up with. N x
Naomi Ellis recently posted..Cherish your cherubs project: Show Affection
my main word would be, present. I also would include, warm, funny, fun, loving, flexible.
toushka lee recently posted..Announcing My Problogger Sponsor
Sounds like a fabulous idea. It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about too. I would love to join! xxx
Jess WhoaMamma recently posted..The Whoa Mamma Blues
What a fabulous idea! I’d love to join you, and will share on my blog.
Hayley :)
As a Mum who knows how I want to be a Mum yet struggles to actually be that person, I would LOVE to do this. What a fantastic idea :-)
Kristen recently posted..5 things I love….
Wow – I have been thinking about this a lot lately – so weird when someone writes what you have been thinking. I have really been struggling lately with those highs and lows / wins and fails you mentioned (in motherhood, blogging, being a “better” person). I am going to give this lots of thought this weekend! Thanks
Deb @ Home life simplified recently posted..Does it take a scare to trigger self care?
Ooo sounds like a great idea! I think I can come up with a few words. Yes I’d live to join in too thanks. :)
Norlin recently posted..Monster High Dolls Outrage – Seriously?
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I’ve popped up my week one Challenge answers :) Can’t wait to read yours on Monday!
http://happyhousewifey.com/?p=526
Hayley recently posted..Parenting in one word: Liquids.
Brilliant idea, you can count me in Nx
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I so need to do this. I have been so frustrated with how I am doing as a mum and really need this. Thanks for the challenge