Yesterday I published a post that just poured out of me as I cried in the shower. The truth about being a Stay At Home Mum: Part 1 came about because I needed to get it all out.
I needed to acknowledge that, for me, being a mum (stay at home or not) is bloody hard, even if I was the only one who thought all of these things.
But I wasn’t alone.
So many of you could relate to every single line I wrote. It was strange.
Sure, I know I’m not the only mum who finds it tough, but for every truth I wrote to be reflected back with a “Yes. Yes. Yes” was really validating!
And yes, by writing it as Part 1, I was also acknowledging that there are wonderful truths about being a mum too. But right now, I’m finding it hard to see them.
I look at my beautiful children some days, trying to feel the joy and the fun in what they’re doing, and I just can’t.
It kills me.
I love them, of course. But I’m getting worn down by all the crap and it’s feels like a plaque growing around my heart.
Please help me.
I need the motivation to get all those mundane things under control, or at least my feelings of guilt about them, so I can just love and enjoy my children, my family, my life.
But that’s the problem, motivation needs inspiration.
I need inspiration.
Jane from Life on Planet Baby suggested I ask everyone to contribute and I think that’s a brilliant idea.
Please help me write Part 2.
I need your truths about being a mum. Not just a SAHM, a mum. Full stop.
And I want the good ones!
I needs this to help me and to help all the women who forget how amazing it is to be a mum.
So please send me one short sentence describing something that is good about being a mum.
If you can I’d also love a photo that helps illustrate it.
My plan is to create something we can all share, to inspire us, and help us get to that next step of motivation.
Please use the form below to submit your contribution.
I really appreciate it.
And if you could share this project, I’d appreciate it even more :)
Laney x
Please note I’ll do my best to include all submissions x
Because it’s Tuesday I’m linking up with Jess from Diary of a SAHM (how appropriate!) to help get the word out. See who else has linked up for IBOT today :)
such a great idea! I can’t wait to see the end result x
Thanks Kirsten and thanks for taking part :)
Awesome idea Laney. I feel very well qualified to talk about mummy truths!!
Caz’s last post..How are your boobs feeling today?
Well yes indeed Caz, I should have just come straight to you for The Truth About Mummy! Thanks for participating – got a photo for me? ;)
Laney – I have only just discovered your blog through #IBOT.
What a beautiful, honest piece of writing this segment is. I look forward to seeing the end result.
Mumma guilt it just follows us everywhere no matter what we do, I feel your pain x
Carly’s last post..Clucky wacky me
Welcome Carly, and thank you x
I just found you through #ibot. I have sent off my one sentence! Cant wait to see the finished product!! I am going over to like you on facebook, tiwtter, etc now :)
Kell (Mad Mummas Sweet Randoms)’s last post..A Journey Sure to Test!
Thanks so much Kell, and welcome to Crash Test Mummmy :)
Its funny, I just wrote a post about being a mum. and how its valued. Its the hardest bloody job in the world, but the one the deserves the most recognition and admiration. I mean – WE help grow small humans into big ones. THAT is a massive amount of responsibility to have. And I think WE deserve a god damn standing ovation. … getting off my soap box now. :)
Vicky’s last post..Second guessing and the sweet spot
It is a brilliant post you wrote Vicky – thanks for sharing it with me. Here it is if anyone else wants to read it: http://vicky-lifeonthehill.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/second-guessing-and-sweet-spot.html?spref=tw
such a thoughtful project! I am looking forward to seeing your compilation :)
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I hope it works!
Onto it. Will send something your way later. Till then, 2 quick vodkas and remember that heaps of us get it *exactly*
Shari x
Shari’s last post..My junkmail wishlist! Top 5 picks from the catalogue!
Thanks Shari – it’ll be a nice glass of red for me tonight :)
Just checked my email – 10 submissions already. Thanks so much everyone. Keep them coming :)
Shh! I hit return before I finished!
The end f that sentence was ‘ and planting the seeds to make the world a better place.’
Love this idea Laney.
Jess’s last post..Dislike
Thanks Jess xox
Great idea Laney! Still, Part 1 is true and also explains why it all goes so fast! When nannas tell you to ‘enjoy them, it goes so fast’ they’re saying it because they’ve already forgotten how much of their day it took to clean up after their little nutters without all the mod-cons we have now. Now that we have the mod cons we hold expectations of balance that don’t happen every day, or we just try to squeeze in more. So yes, it DOES go fast.
Looking back at photos and videos our hearts just ACHE at how bloody cute those little munchkins were- we’re not thinking about how hard it was with our rose coloured glasses on! We’re meant to forget that part. But we can’t forget it, while we are down on our knees, underslept, teary, alone, (but for child noise), undertaking an endless series of thankless menial tasks. Thank f*ck for the lovely cuddles and smiles to keep you going in between. xxx
Twitchy’s last post..Brushes With Fame- The Prequel
We had a look at some of the kids’ baby photos with them last night. Just to remind ourselves ;)
I did that just tonight… Have entered into a brand new world with my 14yo son. It reminds me that he is still that boy that will come and give me a cuddle. And needs them still. Thanks laney for starting this dialogue. Xoxo
Vicky’s last post..Second guessing and the sweet spot
Have added my sentence, babe. Am proud of you for getting this message out there x
Kim-Marie’s last post..Wordless Wednesday : Teppanyaki
Thanks Kim-Marie x
I love this idea & can’t wait to see the end result. Your post yesterday really made me think about how easy it is to focus on the negatives & forget about the positives of being a stay at home mum. My pair have been sick for the past two weeks & as a single mum, it’s easy to get overwhelmed & wonder why I put myself through this. Then I receive a smile or an ‘I love you Mummy’ & all the dramas melt away. There is the reason any mother will turn herself inside out for her kids.
My heart goes out to you. Sick kids is rough. Doing it on your own is beyond what I can imagine. I’m terrible at long stints on my own with the kids. I admire you! Take care and remember the good bits!
C’Mon Laney!!!!!! The wait is killing me……Looking forward to read Part 2 of all the joys and blessings we as mothers encounter ;-))))))) YOU ROCK!!!! XxDani
Dani @ Fitness Food And Style’s last post..Polenta & Parmesan fries were a hit!!!
It’s going to take me a while! Lots of submissions!
Laney, I so feel your pain. This is the exact reason why I called my blog …. And added a part two at the end. I wanted part 2 to be better. And it has been, but it has been hard work letting go, compromising, looking after myself and working out what works for me. Staying at home full time does not work for me. I work outside the house 12 hours a week at the moment and it’s a good balance for me.
I think too that when you are so tired it’s hard to find joy in anything much.
Take care lovely lady. x
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It’s so nice to hear you have found a balance that works for you. I’m getting there! Here’s to hopeful part 2′s ;)
Laney, I’ve been wanting to add something since you posted this. But I’m struggling. I’m quite enjoying being home at the moment but trying to find a reason why being at home is better than the alternatives…hmmm. I thought it would be easy to think of something to add! I will keep thinking. xx
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Being home doesn’t have to be better, just think if anything that’s great about being a mum :)
Just sent through my sentence and photo! :) x
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Thanks Grace xox
I don’t think this will just inspire SAHMs but all mums. All mums would feel those feelings. I’m a part time mum and feel it’s a really happy medium but sometimes on day 5 at home, I need some inspiration, I need some reminders to spend more time with my children, to take the tone out of the way I talk to them at times. This is a great initative Laney. I’ll be looking forward to the follow up post!
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Oppsie it’s Pen from Mum in the wild today.
penny’s last post..Surprise it’s Twins!
A beautiful and inspiring initiative Laney. It is so easy to be overwhelmed by all the “things” that “have” to happen in a day.. Take care of yourself.x
Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy’s last post..Quinoa and Chicken Recipe
Oh Laney, you gorgeous girl. Thanks for the sweet mention and for doing this. It’s truly a community service you’re performing! I’m just off to add my bit. Looking forward to seeing the result ☺. J x
Jane’s last post..Post of the Month Club: the June 2012 edition
Laney, you always hit on the stuff that matters. And THIS really DOES matter.
Awesomeness xxxx
Miss Cinders’s last post..mother. blogger. survivor
This is a great idea. I need to think about it, just one sentence? I’ve gotta make it good!
Lou Lou’s last post..WISH.ME.LUCK.
ok, so as a husband of a SAHM I’ve just had my thoughts confirmed. No matter what it may look like when I walk in the front door at 6pm, Mum has definitely had a tougher day than me.
Kevin’s last post..a day well spent
Great idea Laney. It was very hard to come up with just one sentence
Nat’s last post..Getting your speck, spot or splodge checked could save your life
Oh Laney I think this is such an important post and task you are putting together.
I have been a mum for 18 years and so wish there had blogs around in my time of being a young first time mum..This will help so many people because unfortunately in real life many of us just dont admit to those around us how hard we are finding it at times.We dont ask for help when we need it and we try to hold it all together even when we cant see the silver lining and joy of parenting.Sometimes we just need a little reminder of that joy…just like you are doing here.Thankyou.
You should feel so proud of the good you are doing.I think it is wonderful of you.Bless your sweet heartxx
Deby, I really appreciate your kind support and lovely words on my blog. The video is coming together and will be launched on Friday!