This season of life can be a tough one.

This parenting thing, it's a battle some days. One that makes me feel like I'm in the trenches. Like there is not coffee in the world (or in this giant mug) to get through this day/week/month/life.

I thought it was really tough when they were all little. I think sometimes, oh, how I miss those days when we could just nap and nurse and not have any commitments. But I forget how I ran on no sleep. Or no showers. And the breastfeeding, how sweet it was, yet it never seemed to end. So many moments when you feel like you're in a high action movie. A baby is screaming and a toddler is crying for you to wipe him, which do you choose?!!?! HURRY, PICK NOW!

Moms with young children, you are in the trenches. Maybe even on the front line. You're fighting for survival and trying to do it with love, all while being told to savor and soak up the sweet moments. Most of your time is spent trying to get everyone else's basic needs met. Sleep, food, water, shelter, basic hygiene? If you're lucky, because it gets messy in the trenches.

At this season in life, I still feel like I'm in the trenches, yet I'm getting slightly more confident with the basic route. My youngest is 16 months, my oldest is 7, and three kids are sandwiched in the middle. We find new turns in the trench we haven't gone through and navigate new challenges. Doubts will still be here, and if you're anything like me they'll grow.

 

If you struggle with this too, here are some things to focus on. Things that have helped me get over the feelings of overwhelm:

-Show yourself some grace.

-You are only one person, you can't do it all.

-You're doing a lot of things right, think of those things.

-Take care of yourself, take time to nourish your body and soul.

-Be a better version of yourself, yet realize your starting point is good too.

-List the things you are thankful for.

-Create moments of unstructured prayer. Talk to God like a good friend. Call out for help, whisper a breath of praise.

I can't find the words to wrap this up and be all inspirational since it's all things I'm working on. I spend some days like WOW, I feel so much joy I could explode! Other days I cry thinking, I keep falling and struggling, when will I figure things out and get this parenting thing right? Or get this whole life thing right?

100% of us are imperfect, it's okay to be imperfect.

We are doing good things. This is important work. The best things in life come in the midst of struggles! And our reward is so good, right?

Dear mom who is in the trenches, you are not alone!

 

(This post is not sponsored but I found the giant mug pictured above at Michaels. If you filled it, it would be roughly the weight of a small child.)