Disclaimer: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the affiliate links.
Daily we as humans are sucked into a world of comparison. We scroll through social media to see influencers and friends post the perfect aspects of their life. We compare their best to our worst when were are having a bad day. We are consumed with information that can ultimately overwhelm our thoughts and mind. Not all these thoughts are bad but it can be a mindless task keeping us away from reaching the true mission in our motherhood.
You might be asking, “How can I be a successful mother?” When Sally has all the nice outfits, well-behaved kids, and seems to have it all together. You look in the mirror and see a messy bun, no makeup, and a t-shirt covered in spit-up. Let me tell you, mama, you’re not the only one that feels this way. Being a successful mama is more than what is seen on social media or the expectation you might have placed on your mind.
Every Mama has the opportunity to reach the “success” that she is called to be for her spouse and children. But first, every mom should know what success is. I have had my fair share of struggles with success and what I think it should look like.
What’s the catch?
Having a good-paying job, perfect health, being skinny, and having the perfect family, is not actually what success is. But let’s jump back to reality. I have come to realize that being a daughter of Jesus Christ is the need to surrender these areas of my life. This is where humility is set in for me. Realizing not all the extra things in my life when I get worked up or stressed about take a toll on the functioning of my day. Instead of focusing on what we think being successful is let’s turn to what God is calling us to in ALL the small pockets of the day.
Before, you read any further. Don’t think this post is that being the perfect mom is all roses. But I believe in the power of God that in all things he is with us and wants to be. That includes motherhood. If you have a relationship with Jesus or have never seen a bible in your life, I encourage you to pray and ask the God of the universe to show up in your life as a mother. I pray with you, to find the journey of motherhood to be enlightening, comforting, and encouraging through life’s lowest valleys and highest mountain tops.
“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, for you are with me.” Psalms 23:4.
What are things that make mom, happy?
Some of the questions I have faced on my journey into motherhood and you might have these questions too. How to be a good mom to a baby? How to be a good mom when depressed? Especially when in the thick of postpartum life. What are the qualities of a good Mother? How do I show love to my kids?
All of these questions or issues can be solved but it takes some work on our behalf. I have found five helpful tips for developing good habits as a mother they bring out the good qualities and giftings in each of us Mothers so we can support the way we raise our children. These tips have helped me gain energy even with sleepless nights and learn to choose joy in my life.
1. Spend Time with Jesus.
Maybe you’ve heard this habit before and it’s something you have practiced every day or is an area you struggle in. Well as a mom we know quiet mornings don’t happen very often as we might want them to. The good news is that God knows that. It doesn’t have to be a perfect quiet prayer time because God knows your heart and wants your mind to be renewed and connected with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, that time might look different than it has in the past before we had our sweet babies. If haven’t made time before to spend time with Jesus. Don’t worry you’re not late to the game. You are right on time for your life and your story. Here are a few suggestions on how to spend time with God for a busy Mama.
How to spend time with Jesus
Prayer: Prayer can be done anywhere. In your car, the shower, on a walk, or while you’re cleaning.
Worship: Turn up your favorite worship crew(Maverick City Music is my FAVORITE) and sing His praises. I’ve found it helpful when I am stressed or overwhelmed to sing back to the Lord for how good He is in the midst of chaos.
Journal: Write down thoughts that have been on your mind. Prayers are also something wonderful to see written out. I like to start with a journal prompt and write down any thoughts that lead from there.
The Word: Reading the Bible is a helpful way of getting to know God. We can read His Word and ask for Him to awaken or highlight areas in the text that he wants to speak to us about. Know more about God’s heart for you and more about him. This is key to building a relationship with him.
Fellowship: Nothing Better than spending time with those that lift you and encourage you spiritually. Connect with a friend or small group for fellowship time.
Looking to join a community? Come join the Mamma Mia Greens Facebook Community. We love to share any prayer requests, testimonials, or praises.
2. Take Moments of Self Care
Every mother is in a different situation. If you are a working mom or a stay-at-home more. If you have help from family or family is distant. Regardless of your circumstance mom needs to take breaks. My favorite form of self-care is to take a couple of hours away and enjoy writing or reading at a local coffee shop. My husband takes care of the baby and I enjoy being refreshed with this alone time. Others might enjoy attending a workout class, a bubble bath and a glass of wine, or a nice dinner with a friend.
This time might look different for everybody. Talk with your spouse or family close to you because we are made for community and a helping hand.
3. Go Outside.
Take a stroll in the park or step outside for some fresh air. Being outside reduces stress and anxiety. Not only will this help your mental health but taking your kids with you for their health and time to bond with your kids. Bonus if you are able to move your body and be outside. Walking is extremely helpful for your health and has become one of my favorite moments of the day. I tend to be more energetic and in a better mood once I’ve gone outside. Start with a small goal of walking for just 5 minutes a day or sitting outside for 10 minutes a day. Once you get into a habit of doing this you will crave the habit and want to keep making the effort to go outside every day (Hint to the fifth tip: try this technique for any habit you are wanting to implement).
4. Nourish your body with food.
One way to nourish your body is to drink more water. I love my coffee and sweet drinks but I have to stay disciplined and look forward to the treat of a Dr. Pepper and vanilla cream drink, once you’ve had a couple of glasses of water.
Drinking more water if I have a water bottle that is cute. I suggest getting one that actually makes you want to take it everywhere you go. Drinking more water a day will help keep you hydrated and is great for your body. As they say, “8 glasses a day, keeps the doctor away.”
Eating well will make you feel well. God gave us food on this earth to nourish our bodies. It is our job to steward our minds and bodies well. Even if that means starting small. Make it a goal to at least have one fresh meal today then have all meals be processed foods. Start with a healthy breakfast for a while. Then once you have breakfast down add in healthy lunches and so on. You can have healthy desserts too.
I have found it amazing to see the energy, mood, and body change for the better because of how I nourish my body as a mother.
5. Small action for personal growth.
Lastly, making small changes each day will help you grow in something you want to achieve. For example, I want to learn Spanish. If I take at least 10 minutes a day learning it will help me months from now. This habit is specific to you and what you want to achieve. Making a small change to become part of your routine and become a better you. Other examples could be: make your bed every day, floss every day, read 10 pages a day, etc. You are more than just a mother. Creating these habits can even be reading, exercising, knitting, or talking with a friend. I encourage you to make these habits happen.
Mother interest. Mom articles.