I’m not a mom boss, but I still have goals.
#MomBoss
If I am totally honest with myself, I sometimes envy the #MotherHustler mamas I know. I love your cool home office, pretty day planner, and sweet business cards. You are crushing your goals and winning awards along the way. That empire you’re building is quite impressive! Let me just say, YOU ARE AMAZING. Mom boss ladies, I really admire you!
My desire to work and do something creative didn’t stop once I became a mom. And I am really thankful I can use my degree while working a few hours each week from home. I love it. But I certainly don’t see myself as a mom boss. I don’t own my own business. I am not building my own brand. And I don’t have a desire to create a company. When I picture myself in that role, I feel like I am wearing shoes two sizes too big.
Like any decision in motherhood, there are many choices. The path is different for every single woman. In some seasons of life, we have more choices. And in other seasons, we simply do things out of necessity. No matter what, every single mother makes sacrifices to accomplish her goals.
#Goals
My goals are small. Even so, nothing makes me feel more accomplished than when I:
- Cook a healthy homemade dinner.
- Finish writing an article I’ve been working on.
- Take the kids on an adventure. (If they fall asleep on the way home, I REALLY feel accomplished!)
- Get my workout done for the day.
- Mop the floors.
- Meet with a friend for coffee and finally catch up on life.
- And I really feel proud when I remember to water the dying plants on the front porch!
Am I just your typical stay-at-home mom? Well, maybe it’s because I’m an introvert, or possibly my upbringing. Could it be the fear of failing at those secret “big goals” I have? Okay, what if it’s just the exhaustion that comes from raising two small children and a third one on the way? Is it all of these things combined?!
#InstaMom
In the age of social media, the comparison trap is real. Do you ever find yourself scrolling Instagram and feeling less than? When you post a photo online, are you sometimes looking for a little ego boost? In the spirit of honesty again, I can say a big fat YES to both of those. And there is absolutely no judgment here. Post away and use social media however you want! It’s fun and I love it too. But for me, it’s a good practice to keep my motives in check. (Well, that’s just a good life practice in general!)
So yeah, I struggle with really liking my life and also feeling like it’s not enough. But putting the struggle out in the open and calling it what it is also helps me embrace my small goals.
#DreamSmall
No, I don’t feel like a #MomBoss. But, when I mop the floors and feed the kids some veggies, sometimes I feel like a boss. And If I never get anything published, or write a book (big goal!), I can still rest easy knowing that my life and words matter, even if it’s just to a small circle of people.
For what it’s worth, whether your dreams feel small or big, they are yours. And that is what matters.
Originally published October 2018
