a collection of thirty motherhood and finding joy posts

Some motherhood and life truths I’ve learned this year inspired by various posts. Links are embedded in the story – feel free to share as this is really a collection of thirty of my favorite posts.

I’ve learned that I wasn’t the only mom in this world that struggled with fears of failing. When I sat on my front porch and typed in the words Dear Sweet Mom Who Feels Like She is Failing I really wondered if anyone would relate to the words I typed onto my screen. I remember thinking and praying and hoping that it would bless just a couple moms and now, as I sit here and ponder my year, it is by far the most read post I’ve ever written. It’s really my heart – this encouraging part of me – that prays to bring hope to just one more mom.

I’ve learned I’m not alone and that we’re stronger together and that not only do we need encouragement but we also need to know that we can do it and that we matter. And that sometimes need to slow down and See the Straws. This Crazy Beautiful Motherhood is a beautiful thing and when we slow down a bit and breathe we can embrace the journey we’re on and learn to love the gift in normal.

I’ve learned that all too often I push off the real important, but that I’m constantly striving to rightly-order my mind and my to-do list. I can never utter the words in a minute without thinking of my Dear In a Minute Mom post. And that book? Every time I read it I’m reminded of the shortness of childhood. I think my Elijah said it best in the post Slow Down Mom.

I’ve learned that there is great power in a community of women that come together and are real and encouraging. I’ve loved interacting with you all on the finding joy facebook page and am grateful for all the wonderful words of advice, support, and friendship that you’ve blessed me with.

I’ve learned the beauty and importance of grace and the ultimate need to extend grace to others and to oneself as in Dear Mom Who Likes Everything Perfect and Needs Grace.

I’ve learned that often our days – with spills, paint, toys dumped out, and yoga pants often really look like Real Motherhood Days. and that there is never “Just a Mom”.

I’ve learned that writing a 10 Day Series, while wonderful, is also a great deal of work. And I’ve learned that the words I’m going to get this into an ebook soon don’t happen soon when you’re the mother to seven. On my list for 2013 is to finally get the 10 Days of Intentional Parenting Series into ebook format. And to expand it.

I’ve learned that email is daunting. For all of you who have emailed me – thank you. I am grateful and I do try to respond. And in that same breath, I try to be extremely intentional with my computer time (Social Media Could Rule Your World) so my time to respond is limited. And there we come back to grace and the fact that we all seem to want to Cultivate Simple in a Busy World.

I’ve learned that we all really do love our kids and are constantly looking for ways to show them that and to be more intentional parents. From 7 Ways to Invest in Our Kids to 10 Simple Ways to Bless Your Children these posts seem to resonate with many.

I’ve learned that I love to write list posts – and list posts with atypical numbers as part of the header. As if this isn’t a clue check out these lists – 20 Motherhood Tips,  20 {More} Motherhood Tips,  43 Life Lessons that Kids Teach Us,  51 Things That You Can Do That Will Bless Your Kids,  82 Blessings for Kids,  86 Things I Want My Kids to Know – and who knows, maybe this year I’ll actually write one that goes to 100.

I’ve learned that writing about Celiac Disease and Samuel still brings me to tears many times. I’ve learned that I am not alone in my journey with Celiac Disease. I am humbled by all the emails, encouragement, and support that you have all blessed me with during these two years. And I’ve learned to be grateful for opportunities – like me being a voice on the Udi’s Gluten Free Community Boards. Such a humbling opportunity for me to share our story and to be a voice of hope.

I’ve learned that my Dear Mom Letters are my most read letters. And I’d love to hear ideas from you for new ones for this year.

I’ve learned just how much my family matters to me. I am so thankful for the support of my entire family – I couldn’t do what I do without each of them. They remind me that Vacuuming Should Always Be Beautiful.

I’ve learned that blogging really does matter and that sometimes I need to be bold and speak my mind and to share my heart about how this writing is an art.

I’ve learned, well, that I’m always learning. And that being real matters, as well as being authentic, and loving, and being bold, and  giving yourself grace, and letting others know that we’re in this journey together – 10 Things Moms Need to Remember. and that we all have those Throw in the Towel Days but that we’re still all looking for Joy Reminders in the midst.

So I end this year, this finding joy year with theses words to you.

You matter, mother, reading these words on the other side of the screen. You matter no matter where you are in your journey, and no matter what mistakes have been made, and no matter how hard it feels like it will be. You matter. Your children need you. And to you, their mother, I applaud you. You, in the midst of motherhood, are doing an amazing thing. Those littles? They are the next generation and you are blessed to be their mother. What you do day in and day out matters and makes a difference.

Dear Mom This is Why You Matter.

I will be pulling up my boot straps and walking the motherhood journey with you in 2013. One motherhood day at a time. Loving the little things. Finding joy. We’re in it together.

Thank you for a beautiful year.

~Rachel