you deserve to be lifted up

Dear, sweet, hardworking homeschool moms,

Here's what I know.  You should not be experiencing guilt.  You should not be experiencing inadequacy.

You are adequate.  Beyond adequate.  You are enough.  I know, I know...some days you've sure HAD enough.

You are raising humans.  Are you kidding me?  Girl, you're a hero. You are socializing the unsocialized.  You are turning barbarians into adults.  And YOU are not failing.  Even on the days when you have nothing other than keep them alive, you succeed.

Rest in knowing that one day, things will be easier.  It feels like a long time from now, but don't blink my friends. Don't blink. Snuggle your little people like they won't always be little.  Because they won't.  Hold your teenagers close because they need to feel your love at this confusing, topsy turvy time of life (remember, you don't want to be a teenager ever again...).  Every moment you spend being angry, frustrated, guilted out, is a moment you can't get back.  Move forward.

Find joy in the little things.  Start with good coffee.

Live a simpler life.  Don't let your activities define the life you lead.  Decide what life you want.

Own less.  It's just so good.

Have a friend you can cry with.  Crying is good.  I cry every day.

Tell people you love them.  Including your friends.  Be love, share love, do love, say love.

You deserve to be lifted up.  By your spouse, your children.  That may not happen, because we don't always get what we deserve, but in the end, they will know that you are a champion. That you had their back. You deserve dignity.  And you might not always get it from others.  But you have it anyway.  It's the one way we are all, all equal.  You have dignity.

You may not feel appreciated.  But you are enough.  Love your babies.  Make joy normal.  Know that you are enough.