The hardest part of mothering is not being a stay-at-home mom or a working mom.

The hardest part is always being “on.”

On top of things.

On the clock.

On a pedestal, before our kids and our relatives and everyone we hope not to let down.

You see, there’s no “off” button for mothering.

There’s no delegating the big stuff.

Instead, there’s planning and checking the lists... and scheduling in potty breaks and chocolate breaks and the occasional night out with the girls.

And forgetting to drink water.

And forgetting whether they took their vitamins.

Yet remembering each time we felt overwhelmed and snapped back.

There’s the - giving it our all - but still questioning whether we’re doing enough.

And the trying hard not to compare and complain when we know we’ve been given so very much.

Still, our bodies get stretched and feelings get hurt and we just need a listening ear and some validation that it all matters.

That we matter, too.

Because a mom gives up so much of herself in motherhood.

No greater privilege or pressure.

We just want to do it right.

Words by: Jaclyn Warren of Mommys15Minutes. For more encouragement and love follow along at Mommys15Minutes on Facebook and on Instagram at @Mommys15Minutes.