I volunteered at my kids' school every morning this week.

I also yelled a lot.

I am no better than you.

I paid for lots of exciting extracurricular activities this week.

I also acted like a jackalope rushing my kids around each day.

I am no better than you.

I let my kids sleep in my bed this week.

I also mandated an earlier bedtime each night and refused to sing or snuggle them.

I am no better than you.

I made a healthy homecooked dinner of pork, corn, and salad last night.

I also served chips as a "side dish" the night before.

I am no better than you.

My kid got an A on her test.

My other kid didn't.

I am no better than you.

I don't work so I can stay at home with my youngest.

I also ignore her or let her watch tons of tv to get things done.

I am no better than you.

I have stayed married for eleven years.

I have had to (and still) work at my relationship every single day.

I am no better than you.

I am known to some.

I am a nobody to others.

I am no better than you.

I have been to the gym every day this week.

Last night I ate dessert TWICE.

I am no better than you.

I am a free spirit.

I am trapped in a cycle of anxiety and guilt.

I am no better than you.

I have good days and bad days.

I have days where I feel confident, and days I'm draped in insecurity.

I have days of back-to-back good choices and days where I'm making a mistake after mistake.

I am no better than you.

And, my awareness of that fact is what allows me to remind myself that you are no better than me either.

That, more than likely, you too are busting your butt every day to be more mindful.

-- as a parent, partner, friend, daughter, and woman --

and to improve upon yourself with every lesson each hour of the day brings.

That, like me, you are imperfect and flawed, and it's something you also try to hide from most that you encounter.

It's frustrating that, from the very beginning, motherhood is presented and marketing to us ladies as a competition to be

a doting caregiver, but not our child's doormat,

a sexy wife, but no obsessed with our physical appearance,

giving of our time and money, but not financially wasteful,

workhorses, but always striving for "balance."

It's tiring, so why exhaust yourself any further, by comparing the woman you are to the women that surround you, who are undoubtedly comparing themselves to the woman they see when they look at you.

I am no better than you, and any thoughts you have that I am are a load of bull.

I am no better than you, and you are no better than me, and the quicker we embed that certitude into our jam-packed brains, the better off we will be as individuals and collectively as a sisterhood.