Are You Frustrated Yet?

I am. In fact, I have been frustrated for the last year and a half. Something’s gotta give. I think it's going to be me.

I have been giving more time, attention, energy and fun to my job and my dreams. Yes, I have planned what my ideal life looks like in five years. I have a picture of the home of my dreams hanging in a nice frame in my bathroom. I have submitted manuscripts for publication. Just the thought of all the possibilities excite me! Still, accomplishing all these things will mean nothing if I go through all my life without being a good Mom.

I am a wife and mother of five wonderful children ages 8 and under. My husband and I have always wanted five children. Even with five children, I have high expectations of what a good Mom is supposed to do. Herein, lays my problem. When I don't live up to those expectations: reading to them every night before bed, rebuking them calmly with a smile on my face, or feeding them the healthiest meals (instead of a $5 pizza I pick up on the way to church), I pack all my bags and head on a "guilt trip". I don't like it when this happens and I want it to stop. So, I began to rationalize things by telling myself, "you're a mother of five", "you work a full-time job", and the list goes on. And what I have come to discover is: A good Mom is. It's not about what I do. It's all about who I am.

So, I am going to "be" a good Mom. I am going to "be" in the moment. I am going to "be" there. I am going to "be" attentive. I am going to "be” a good example.

Are you frustrated yet? What are you going to do differently?