I See You, Mama

I see you, Mama.

Early in the morning, before the sun comes up.

These are the first — maybe the only — peaceful minutes you’ll get today. Soon enough, little feet will come pitter-pattering through the hallway, and your day will revolve around playtime, ouchies, cooking for people who won’t eat, teachable moments, and sunscreen. Sigh. But you wouldn’t want it any other way.

So bask in the quiet and the coffee while you can. Soak up that spectacular sunrise.

I see you, Mama.

Taking a breather in the shower. You distracted the kids for just a second so you could sneak into the bathroom unnoticed. Otherwise, they’d have insisted on throwing a big party under the rainhead. You’ve got maybe three minutes before the kids either start to panic or discover the markers that you’ll never be able to scrub off the walls. You’ll probably have to let your hair go unwashed again.

So breathe in that steam and let the water drown out the squabbles in the next room. It’s only three minutes, after all.

I see you, Mama.

Doubting your worth because you just don’t have the energy to get down on the floor to play today. I see you heaping guilt on yourself for allowing screen time. But you’re only one person, right? Sure, we mothers are superhuman in many ways. But make sure you see the superhuman moments for what they are. They’re impressive. They’re above and beyond. They’re rare. They’re not where we should set the standard.

So dish up the popcorn, put on a movie, and snuggle those babies while you can.

I see you, Mama.

Grabbing your keys the second your husband gets home or Grandma stops by. You just need to get out of the house, go for a quick drive out on the open road. For the record, talking to yourself out loud is basically the same as holding an adult conversation. And singing is even better for the soul.

So blast that music, Sis. Sing until your heart feels better.

I see you, Mama.

Staying up late to do some work or watch a show. You really don’t get enough sleep, huh? But your mind is getting a little mushy, you feel yourself starting to relax just the tiniest bit, and your mental and physical energy are spent. Put a fork in you — you’re done. And you don’t want to waste this on sleep. You want to feel it. This time of calm…it’s time to just be you.

So get things done if you need to, but then give yourself permission to melt into the couch and binge your favorite show. Everything else will still be there tomorrow. Escape for just an hour.

I see you, Mama.

I know how it goes, I do. It’s true that the years go by quickly, while so many days just drag. It’s hard, Mama. It’s exhausting to be ‘on’ all the time. It really is. But it’s not reflective of your love for your children, which is so deep and so wide that not even the oceans compare.

I know sometimes you feel like nobody gets it.

But I see you, Mama.