Loving ourselves
One of the keys to finding fulfillment, no matter what our station in life, is to love ourselves. To accept ourselves. To recognize that we’re not perfect, but we’re not terrible. We’re trying, and that says a lot—and most of all, we’re people of value.
I think this is especially important because really, valuing motherhood begins with mothers valuing themselves. We have to set the precedent for our families. Yes, we serve them and we break our backs to keep them happy and healthy—but at the same time, we teach them to respect others, respect themselves, respect us—and respect motherhood.
We must value ourselves as mothers. We must recognize and embrace this high and holy calling, and then help our families and those around us to learn to value us as individuals and as mothers, and to value motherhood and the things we’ve done for them.
Of course, some of us have an easier time of loving ourselves:
But, then, I think this shows us what a key time childhood is. If we work to instill this value for motherhood in our children now—if we show them that we love them and serve them, but we also value ourselves as individuals, and if we teach them to value themselves—we can get a jumpstart on the negative messages that are sure to come.
What do you think? How do you show your children that you value motherhood, and yourself? How do you teach your children to value you as their mother?
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Where did that child come from?? She has too much hair to be half Franklin!
October 20th, 2009 at 3:22 pmThat’s definitely from the hairy Scottish side of the fam.
October 20th, 2009 at 3:38 pmMy son’s teacher is looking for people to come in to share information about their profession. I was thinking of going in to share info. about my profession – a full time (crazy, exhausted and underpaid) mom. It’s my chosen ‘job’ at this moment and I can’t think of any better way to show how much I value this position (although I think I need a raise…ha ha) but I’m not sure how well that will go over with the teacher….I’m still thinking about it.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:43 pmI love at idea, Lisa! Go for it and tell us how it goes!
October 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pmLove love that photo – it goes perfectly!
October 24th, 2009 at 10:59 amIt’s tough because mothering can be very hard at times. But the joy is much much greater.
I try to show my kids every day, many times, I love them. By sitting with them curled up on the couch, sharing a book. By making cookies with them and almost getting sick on the dough. By praying with them and for them every day and night.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:05 pm