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“You are enough.”

It has been several years since I read these words written by Joanna Gaines from Magnolia Market. She had been writing a post about the joy of motherhood when she realized that all moms needed to hear this… because her post was for everyone.

I loved her message so much that I wanted to share some of her words with you.  I hope that you find encouragement in them today.

A group of people walking away from the camera in a grass covered field.

Joanna writes…

“You are enough. I think at times all moms get this insecure feeling of “I’m not doing enough.”

As a working mom, it’s the hardest when my kids grab onto me as I’m walking out the door and say, “Mommy please stay home!” I don’t want to ignore that, so I always explain to them that being with them is my favorite thing in the world.

I explain that I have to work just like they have to go to school. I also let them know what I’m doing at work that day—whether it’s filming the show or going into the office—and what time I’ll be home.

Taking a few seconds to let them in on this other huge part of my life has really helped them understand that mom and dad have a big job to do.

I have had to find creative ways to connect with the kids during the day now that I work, to let them know I am always thinking of them.

I’ll send them a little note in their lunchbox or surprise them and pick them up early from school for a fun date.

When I was staying home these same feelings of “not doing enough” would find their way into my mind. In that season I spent a lot of time focusing on balance.

Naptime was when I got things done. Whether it was folding laundry, prepping dinner, writing my blog, or doing design work—that was my time.

It was important I kept myself creatively fed during those years, so I never let myself be filled with feelings of discontent. I hope if you’re in this season now you’ll take the time to allow yourself a few minutes a day to do what you love, too. I found it was the thing that kept me balanced and energized.”

She throws in some wonderful pointers like these:

“Taking the time: The young stage my kids are in is the sweetest. When I get home from work I try and leave my phone in the car and make that intentional effort to play and connect face to face with them.  

The littlest things: The details have always mattered to me, especially when it comes to my kids.

Whether I’m making cereal for breakfast or a big, fancy dinner, I want them to know that celebrating them in small ways in everyday life is a big deal to me.” – Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Market.

Moms… no matter what stage you are in, take her advice to heart.

Remember that YOU ARE ENOUGH.

A group of people walking away from the camera in a field covered with grass. Joanna Gaines via Facebook

Being loved is one of the greatest things… and children show their love in all kinds of ways. One of my favorite things is when our kids bring us home those little “MOM REPORTS” with questions like, “How old is your mom? What’s her favorite thing?” But when they answer the one about “What does your mom love?”… you can be pretty sure that they are thinking, “ME!!! My mom loves ME!” and that is always the answer that they give. 🙂

I know that before we had children of our own, we all tend to have these idyllic fantasy-like exceptions of the kinds of mothers we will be once we start having kids. You know, the ones that only buy organic cotton, make their own baby food, and still have a patient, calm demeanor when our child writes on our new couch with a permanent marker.
While we may have faltered from our thought of “what would be,” one thing has not changed— you love your children like no one else ever will.

And…

Your kids love you just the way you are. The truth is, your kids have faults and weaknesses, but that doesn’t change how much you love them. This is the same way your kids feel about you... It’s unconditional.

You are the mother they needed (and still need), which was why they were given to you. They love you just the way you are, so see yourself through their eyes, and you’ll realize you’re exactly the mom they need.

You are enough!

A calendar with a text on top of it.
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Hi there!

I’m Becky, a former elementary school teacher turned certified child development therapist and blogger. I work at home with my husband and together we are raising (and partially homeschooling) our four children in the Carolinas. I love diet coke, ice cream, and spending time with my family.

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8 Comments

  1. When you think you can’t love Joanna Gaines more… she totally gets it. She is the mom that we should all strive to be. I love that she loves connecting with her kids!

  2. My girls are 32 and35 years old with families of their own. I still feel like I am not enough for them. Time to change it up Grammy.

  3. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this as well as Joanna’s words. It makes a huge difference to your children to understand where you go and why. I really think that takes some of the pressure off because they can comprehend it better. Especially because they don’t love to go to school every day but they must. It allows them to relate to you.

  4. I love this so much. I think that mothers are just hardwired to see the needs and how we can fill them. Which is good because it helps us be wonderful at serving and loving our kids. But, it can also make us feel like we just aren’t measuring up because sometimes there are just so. many. needs. This is a beautiful reminder that no matter what needs are left unfilled, we are enough.

    1. You put that so beautifully Patricia! It is SO important to remind ourselves (and all our mama friends!!) that we are always enough! <3