The Tired Mother’s Creed {with free printable & book giveaway}

Today is for the tired mamas. The ones struggling with comparison and “I don’t measure up” syndrome. Let this guest post from Lisa-Jo Baker encourage your weary soul.

For the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don’t think we have it in us to read one more story, play one more game of Uno, wash one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has it all together. For the days we’re sure anyone else would do this job better.

For those days. You know the ones.

Repeat after me:

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid’s summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest’s standards.
2. I shall not measure what I’ve accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I’ve tickled into my kids
3. I shall say “yes” to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we’re building.
4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they’re already in their pajamas.
5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers, but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.
6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.
7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.
8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.
9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.
10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these three children – out loud, especially in front of my daughter.
11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.
12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my “unfine” moments.
13. I shall say “sorry” when sorry is necessary.
14. I pray God I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children’s forgiveness.
15. I shall make space in my grown up world for goofball moments with my kids.
16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.
17. I shall model kind words – to kids and grown-ups alike.
18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan – this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.
19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.
20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they’ll all be in college.

~ with love from one tired mother to another.

{click here to download the below printable version}

{To see the video reminder of why all mothers are braver than they know, click here}.

This guest post comes with love from Lisa-Jo Baker to our community in celebration of Mother’s Day. If you haven’t already – treat yourself, your mom, your sister, your BFF or your grandma to a copy of her new book, Surprised by Motherhood: Everything I Never Expected About Being a Mom.

And now for the FUN stuff!

Three (yes, three!) lucky readers will win this bookplate signed by Lisa-Jo to whomever you choose. Thank you Lisa-Jo for your generosity to our community. You are a blessing to so many of us! (Ok…keep reading…there’s more!)

ONE of you lovely ladies will win your own copy of this must-get-tissues-before-you-read motherhood book sent directly from me to you.

Let’s call it my Mother’s Day gift to this awesome community of women living authentically in the midst of our brokenness as God picks up our pieces and crafts us into the masterpieces he created us to be. Plus, everyone loves a gift, especially one celebrating mothers!

No matter what stage you’re in when it comes to motherhood, I promise this book will encourage. And remind you that you are braver than you think. So…enter away!

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