We’ve all been there. There’s this one mom on Instagram, in your yoga class, at church, who literally seems to be perfect. I’ll even bet that the minute you read that sentence, you pictured her. She always looks perfect, her kids behave perfectly, her home is always PERFECT. Gross, right? I’m kidding…but, on a serious note, we’ve all been there. Most of us were there long before we became moms and now we wonder why this feeling of inferiority has followed us well into womanhood. The reason? Your focus. It’s so easy to see everything that we aren’t or don’t have when we’re looking at someone else. The good news is that we can change our focus at any moment. It just takes a bit of intentionality and a little letting go of some bad habits, here’s what I’m letting go of as a mom this year…
Three Things You Should Let Go Of As A Mom in 2022
Comparison
I read an article on Stylist.Co.Uk about how often we as women compare ourselves to others and some of the effects:
14% of women have high levels of self-esteem
83% of women say social media negatively affects their self-esteem
40% of women compare themselves with other people’s successful careers
39% of women compare themselves with women they think look pristine without effort
58% of women say that social media has changed how others view them and how they view others [source]
Beautiful, we don’t have to be a statistic. Letting go of comparison means accepting the beautiful and unique creation God hand-made – as is. Stretch marks, mommy-tummy, all of it. It doesn’t mean that we can’t improve ourselves or be inspired by other women, we just have to draw the line between inspiration and comparison. 2022 presents an opportunity of falling in love with ourselves, one day at a time, just as we are.
Perfectionism
Okay, this one is for me…I’m an extreme perfectionist to a fault. While it comes in handy in my business, it’s a major downfall in other areas of my life. Like how clean my home is, how I look, how my children behave. ALL OF IT. God did not create us to be perfect, He created us to be His. This means letting go when my children’s tantrums aren’t scheduled for the day. When the house looks messy a little longer than I planned or when things happen that are out of my control. This year, I’m not striving to be perfect. I’m striving to be me. A better version of me each day, yes. But perfection is an unattainable mindset and it robs us of being present and enjoying the gift of today.
Fear
No matter where you were during the last couple of years, I’m sure at some point you looked at yourself, or your child and felt a twinge (or more) of fear creep in. From the fear of the virus we shall not mention to fear of shortages, job loss, or just sheer uncertainty of the future, we all felt it. Let’s make a mindful effort to let go of the fear this year and step into whatever it is that God has planned for us in 2022. We made it out of the last few years for a reason. If you’re reading this, God’s not done with you. Here are three of my favorite scriptures to help combat fear:
- For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
- The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
There are so many scriptures found in God’s Word to rid us of all fear and welcome a holy and sweet peace like nothing else found here on Earth. Even for you, beautiful.
So, tell me, what are a few things you plan to let go of this year? Drop them in a comment below! Let’s make 2022 the year we took action, dreamed big, and kept the faith!
XOXO, JD
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Alex says
I liked the article very much!
Margaux says
I am also a perfectionist and I working on “letting go” this year. Thank you for your being authentic and kind, I loved it!