Mama said there would be days like these.

Days full of

laughter
snuggles
affection
relaxation
jokes
reading
learning
connecting
playing
appreciation

and wonder.

SO. MUCH. AWE.

Mama said there would be days like these.

Days full of

tears
yelling
guilt
time-outs
frustration
non-listening
misbehavior
power struggles
anxiety
fear

and ingratitude.

SO. MUCH. UNGRATEFULNESS.

Mama said there would be days like these.

Days full of

confusion
doubt
uncertainty
hesitation
indecision
discomfort

and struggle.

SO. MUCH. INTERNAL FURY.

Mama said there would be days like these.

She said there would be days like these because not a single day of motherhood is like the next.

One hour you are riding the high that is kind kids making good choices, and the next you are beating yourself up and berating your child for poor decisions.

One day you are crossing tasks off your to-do list like a boss and the next you can't bring yourself to fold a towel, wash a dish, or be fully present for your loved ones.

When you are a woman trying to

find,

appreciate,

value

and sustain who you are,

while raising children who you must not only keep alive and safe but also

help turn into respectful,

kind,

loving,

intelligent,

self-sufficient,

happiness-driven,

and world-changing humans,

it's an almost guarantee that your days will be both exciting and depleting.

And, that each minute --while contributing to every gray hair that makes its appearance on your body -- is an integral piece of the 24-hour puzzle that is a single day in the life of a hardworking, self-improving, love-driven, but ultimately imperfect parent.

Mama said there would be days like these because Mama had many days like these, I speculate.

All mamas have good days and equally as many bad.

All mamas have felt confident and proud, but have also felt inadequate and, at times, incapable.

Mama said there would be days like these because this is what life as a parent is all about -- it's about never knowing what's coming next for you, from your child or with regard to each of the many moments that contribute to your daily experiences and entire existence.

Mama said there would be days like these, but Mama also said that you can tackle anything that comes your way.

So, whether tomorrow brings this or that, it doesn't matter.

Nope.

Because, per your usual, you will step up to the motherhood plate and knock that shiitake out of the park.

When it comes to mothering from the depths of your soul and with every ounce of your being, there is no such thing as a miss-hit or a strike-out.

In the game of parenthood, just as in the game of life, you've already WON by merely showing up with purpose. And, whatever you are capable of delivering when it's your turn at bat, is enough.

PERIOD.

It's enough because it teaches your child that individuals can do hard things, like showing up even when it's tough,

or when we're scared,

or tired,

or unsure of how things will turn out.

Mama said there would be days like these, but Mama also said that we were made for these instances and that they will transform us, and I believe her; don't you?