Some thoughts on motherhood

Something I heard on a podcast about mothering struck me several years ago. The host mentioned that she made it a point to surround herself with mothers at all stages of motherhood. She intentionally made friends with mothers who were at the same stage of life as she was, along with the mom who had younger babies and toddlers, while also being friends with the mom who had children several years older than hers.

I thought that was such wise advice. Each stage of motherhood has its own struggles. There are times in each season where I have found myself needing to lean on someone else who is right there with me in the trenches; commiserating with me about the sleepless nights or laughing with me as we swap stories of toddler shenanigans. Each stage of motherhood also needs a mentor. For me, this is someone who has walked where I’ve walked and is on the other side cheering me on with their kind words and good example. And in each stage I have found that I have something to give to another mom: being a mentor simply by encouraging her that she can do this motherhood thing, too.

Last week our family marked another first, and another last. First child to enter middle school, and last child to graduate from kindergarten.

This season of firsts and lasts has caused me to take stock, remembering again that bit of advice from that long ago podcast and doing my part to encourage (and learn) from those around me.

To the mamas who still have littles:

The golden years are coming. Your children will go to bed on their own. They will put their shoes on by themselves. They will help you pick up the house. There will be no more diapers. Your oldest won’t remember the parenting mistakes you made long ago. You will be able to eat dinner without interruption. Your coffee will be hot. The house will be quiet again. You will pick up your hobbies once more. It’s coming. Soon.

To those mothering in the middle of childhood:

Navigating big middle school emotions (and hormones) paired with kids who are trying to spread their wings is so hard. A reminder to you (and me) that our worth as mothers is not tied to the way our children act or the choices they make. We are their safe haven from a hard world and we are doing a phenomenal job even on the days we feel we are failing.

To those mothering young adults:

(Deep breath) I never thought I would be the one who was whispering softly aloud: “Time, slow down please.” Please freeze right here—in this space where we are all still together before they are scattered wherever their dreams take them. Please slow down in this space that has been my absolute favorite so far. I'm taking my own advice and I need to listen because I am still in uncharted territory. To the mamas who have walked farther than me and who have seen the hallways of high school or the caps and gowns of graduation: Tell me what beauty awaits me even as time doesn’t stand still. Tell me what you wish you held on to harder and what you wish you had let go with more ease. Tell me your favorite things about this next stage. Tell me what you've loved most.

My heart would love to hear as my eyes are ever looking forward.

June Mix

When I first started diffusing in our home, I was overwhelmed by all of the various combinations that could find their way into my diffuser. I just wanted someone to tell me what their current favorite “go to” was, and then shamelessly refill my diffuser with it over and over. Kind of like a new favorite playlist. If you’ve felt this too then this is the only mix you need this month. It reminds me of summer days filled with sunshine and mid-afternoon popsicle treats!

These oils are considered “happy” or “balancing” oils—oils that are designed to elevate our mood. Smell is our only sense that activates the limbic system, which is the part of our brain that controls our emotions. That’s why I tend to have at least one of our seven diffusers (don’t judge!) running at some point during our day—I notice the difference in everyone's mood when we don't diffuse.

Pop over here if you are new to Young Living and want to get started or, if you want a pretty version of my June Mix to share with a friend, download it here.

Snippets of My Week

A different spin on WWII historical fiction. Recommended.

School is officially done! Here's to more beach days!

Caleb and I have a new hiking partner on our Saturday morning hike.

Thanks for reading! What season of motherhood are you finding yourself in right now? What bits of advice or encouragement do you have for other moms? I'd love to hear about it. Just hit reply if you'd like to respond. (When you hit reply, your message goes directly to my email. It’s a private conversation just between us.) I read all your messages and try to respond, but not always in a timely manner. Sorry! And if you enjoyed this email, you’d be doing me a favor by forwarding it to someone else who might like it.