My facebook feed filled up* with my friends being good moms. J took her husband’s suggestion to get in a workout instead of dealing with piles of laundry. One of the best ways to teach our sons to value ourselves is to do things we love and need. Another friend, A, took the time to snap a fun picture with her little boy. What a reminder to enjoy memorable moments.
Two truths emerged from reading these. First, I’m so, so incredibly fortunate – and grateful – to have such wonderful people on this parenting journey with me. A basic truth of the world is that you become more like those with whom you spend time, and I would be honored to become more like many of my Overfield friends.
The second realization is that I get to choose to react with gratefulness rather than jealousy and defensiveness. How easy it could be to see the great job they do with their little ones and think of all the excuses why I don’t do it how they do. But where does that get me?
My yoga teacher instructs – notice it, don’t judge. If I simply notice my inclination to become defensive, I can explore the reasons why I feel that way – and leave my friend, who is only doing a good job being a good mom – out of it.
There was a day and a time when that may have been my reaction. But judgement speaks more about me than about any person who steps in my path. Now I can watch these beautiful women do so well what they love to do and say celebrate another woman, fully alive.
*Yesterday, as it’s now Ash Wednesday and I’m not reading my feed