2021 was a strange year. Just when we thought we were in the clear, schools still didn't operate at 100%, our summer vacations were still modified, and we could never really get to a state of full "normal” with things changing all of the time.
Moms were experiencing happiness of spending more time at home with their kids, frustration of living during a pandemic, grief, and the joys of virtual, well, everything! We’re hoping some of the changes from this past year will stay (like regular teleconferences of events that we cannot attend in person), but are also looking forward to what the next year will bring us.
Although the year was still difficult for many, it was a year ripe with new lessons and greater understanding of what’s truly important in our worlds. As moms, we often reflect on the good and challenging parts of motherhood life and here are reflections from 16 moms on the best lessons they learned from this past year.
Life is a gift
"Enjoy life as a gift because it’s not promised!" — Grace, mom of 4
Boundaries are a must-have
"Boundaries are necessary and perfectly OK to set." — Carlee, mom of 2
And so is self-care
"Self-care is of utmost importance. If you don’t care for yourself, no one else will!" — Memoona, mom of 2
Trust what is already in you
"To trust my gut. My intuition has not steered me wrong this year." — Ashley, mom of 1
A little bittersweet
"I learned the definition of bittersweet. Grief consumed much of '21 for me." — Kristin, mom of 2
Letting go is OK
"Quitting is not the same thing as failing — sometimes it’s an achievement to walk away." — CJ, mom of 2
Be unapologetic
"I learned to be unapologetic when it comes to doing what’s best for myself and my family." — Nicolette, mom of 2
Choose yourself
"Choose me. Everything else will fall into place." — Jessi, mom of 2
Believe in a higher power
"Continue trusting God and reflect on all the goodness in life." — Danielle, mom of 3
Dealing with grief is hard
"Grief is not something you can ever be prepared for." — Keidra, mom of 1
Take accountability
"Sometimes I’m the one in the wrong and I need to be accountable." — Julie, mom of 2
Take a beat
"There is power (and often peace) in pausing before responding to someone or something." — Liz, mom of 3
Real growth comes from speaking truth
"This year, growth looked like showing up as myself, dumbing down for no one, and using my voice." — Nakeia, mom of 2
Get away from the noise
"Sift through the chatter and trust my instinct." — Donna, mom of 2
Appreciate what you do have
"When you stop focusing on what you don’t have and focus on what you do, you’ll find that you truly have everything you need." — Chanel, mom of 2
What real self-care looks like
"Self-care doesn’t look like face masks and mani-pedis. It is caring for yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically." — Kari, mom of 3
