Things I Need To Thank My Mom For, Since Becoming a Mom Myself

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my own mom and our relationship. I could never tell her enough how important and influential she has been to me. Like most moms, mine was a superhero! I honestly don’t think I’d be half the woman I am today without her. And now that I’m a mom myself, I have a whole new level of respect and gratitude for her. My eyes have been opened to the countless ways in which she was juggling all the plates without ever breaking a sweat. My mom made me better and is the ultimate role model.  

During this season, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank my mom for all the not-so-obvious things that have shaped me into the mom and human I am today.  

Consistency 

Now that I am a mom, I understand more than ever the importance of consistency in life and parenting. Having a routine and clear expectations not only makes me feel my best but also helps my kids thrive and improves communication with my partner. However, after becoming a mom, I know now more than ever how hard it is to maintain a consistent routine. Growing up, I took this for granted. Everything was always as predictable from family dinners to bedtime routines to the classic “counting to 3” before getting into trouble. And how could I forget Survivor night on Thursdays? I thrived under this consistency and maintained it well into my adult life.  

But with kids, oh boy, it’s a whole different story. Everything turns into a battle, especially with my toddler. Sometimes, we would rather be out and about than sticking to nap or bedtime routines at home. It's only now that I truly appreciate how effortlessly my mom played the role of our family's cruise director and set an example of how amazing a well-executed routine can be. 

Working Moms Are Superheroes 

My mom worked a full-time job my entire life. It was my normal, I never knew any different. She would get us ready for school, head off to work, and then come home to whip up dinner and tackle our entire nighttime routine (did I mention she was consistent?). Because this was my reality, I never once thought I couldn’t work and be a great mom. However, after becoming a mom myself, I now understand just how tough it can be. Being a mom is exhausting and giving your best at work is just as much so. It's a full-time juggling act! 

I know they say that moms can’t do it all, but I really believe my mom could. I'm beyond grateful for her, not just for setting that example, but also for making me believe that I could be anything and do anything. She is the ultimate example for me that my kids will still love me as their mom even if I’m not with them 24X7. All types of moms deserve admiration, but I wouldn’t trade witnessing a working mom superhero in action for anything. I hope one day, my own kids will feel the same way. 

Ice Cream for Dinner is Always a Good Idea 

Once a year, my mom would take just me and my brother to Friendly’s to have ice cream for dinner. We could order anything we wanted, as long as it was ice cream. My husband thinks this is the strangest idea, but looking back, it's one of the most cherished memories from my childhood and a testament to my amazing mom. My mom always prioritized quality time and making lasting memories. I have so many traditions I hold close to my heart and places and things I’ve experienced that make me who I am.  

Like any family, we lived a busy life, but that never stopped my mom from making things special. As a mom now, I truly understand how challenging that can be. Keeping up with birthdays, holidays, and those special events at my kids' school sometimes feels like a full-time job. I want my kids to have a well-rounded childhood and, to be honest, get to experience even more out of life than I did. But my mom really set the example for me on what is most important. Because of her, I prioritize making special moments even when I’m completely exhausted because ice cream for dinner is always a good idea. 

Our Family is Only as Strong as my Marriage 

Growing up, I regularly spent a weekend night at my grandparents' house, or they stayed at my house when my parents went on a couple's vacation.  I loved my grandparents, so I never complained, but when I was older, I would inquire more about where they were going. I wanted to go too and sometimes got a little bitter when my parents would take vacations without me. But my mom always explained how important it was for her and my dad to have their own one-on-one time and take trips without us.  

What I didn’t understand then that I do now is that this time was critical to keeping our family strong and my parents' sanity intact. As a parent now, I get it. My husband and I have adopted the same mentality and make it a point to go on vacations regularly. This helps us stay connected, happy and strong in our marriage and helps us reflect those same qualities in our family. Like I used to, my kids typically stay with their grandparents when we are away, and you know what? They love it just as much as I did back then. 

It Gets Better 

I have written about this so many times already, but I can’t help it-I am a complete sap when it comes to my kids growing up. Raising kids is so hard and some nights I feel like I’m in survival mode just to make it through bedtime. But as soon as they are down and asleep, I miss them like crazy. The idea of my kids getting bigger and older and needing me less and less breaks my mama heart.  

My mom is an exceptional example that life only gets better. She dedicated her life to being our mom, always showing up and being there for us. Yet, when I talk to her now, she looks back on our life with fond memories, but not a longing for “better days”. She has told me that she loved every stage of our lives- when we were little, when we grew older, and even now. She loved and is loving every stage of life.

This perspective brings me comfort as I wrestle with this constant fleeting feeling. Life can truly get better as time goes on. And if not better, it just becomes different. How sweet is it to have such a perspective? 

People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel 

My mom is the most selfless person I know. She would do anything for the people she loves. She taught me to have a big heart and to not sweat the small stuff. I defiantly inherited her great sense of perspective and ability to take the high road. I stick up for myself when needed, but always keep the bigger picture in mind. 

My mom loved the quote by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That quote really resonates with her. My mom cares more about the type of person she is than about what she has or what she has accomplished. I can’t thank my mom enough for setting this standard. I already have started to model for my kids that being a good human is the most important thing.  

In the end, it's the way we make others feel that truly matters. Thanks, Mom, for showing me the importance of being a caring and genuine person. 

 I’m Capable Of Anything 

Have I mentioned that my mom is a badass, superhero? I want to give a big shoutout and thank you to my mom for instilling in me the belief that I am capable of anything. She is my number one cheerleader, supporter, and fan. Thanks to her, I’m constantly pushing myself and taking on new challenges. I have a growth mindset and genuinely believe that if I work hard enough, I can conquer anything. Growing up, I was never taught or shown any different. To me, my mom was the living proof that you can do whatever you set your mind to. So, thank you, Mom, for giving me this unwavering confidence. It’s my superpower and I owe it to you.