Photo by Brackish Photography
As one of the most challenging years I’ve ever endured comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what has transpired and mindfully creating setting intentions for how I want to enter into the new year. Our family does this every year, but this year seems different (imagine that). It seems more important, urgent almost, that we release what is meant to stay in 2020 and make room for what the next holds. No matter how you add up our messes and blessings, it seems like no one I know made it through this year unscathed. That can come with some emotional weight.
For many of us, these past 12 months have been a thief of so much. A lot of what they’ve robbed us of was opportunities for connection. To be seen, heard, and validated; as mothers, as women, as humans. As I say goodbye to all of the things that did not serve me in this year, I want to make sure you also have the opportunity to step into a new year feeling seen and valid. So, here is my last attempt of gifting in 2020; a little bit of validation for the mama who may not receive it anywhere else. You are not alone.
For the mama who lost a piece of her heart this year, I see you.
For the mama who lost herself this year, I see you.
For the mama who became a homeschool teacher overnight, I see you.
For the mama who became a SAHM unexpectedly, I see you.
For the mama who had to go back to work before she felt safe, I see you.
For the mama who’s now expected to wear all the hats at once, I see you.
For the mama risking her own health for the health of her community, I see you.
For the mama who can’t wear a mask, I see you.
For the mama who doesn’t have childcare, I see you.
For the mama who spent most of the year afraid, I see you.
For the mama who became an ally, I see you.
For the mama who was healing herself while kissing the boo-boos, I see you.
For the mama who yelled too much, I see you.
For the mama who stopped being grateful for the dishes in the sink, I see you.
For the mama who did a million loads of laundry even though no one was going anywhere, I see you.
For the mama who couldn’t find diapers in the right size or went 3 different places for toilet paper, I see you.
For the mama who Amazon Prime’d so much you bought your delivery driver a Christmas gift, I see you.
For the mama whose partner didn’t see how much changed for you this year, I see you.
For the mama that is so tired of being constantly touched, I see you.
For the mama who counts down the minutes until bedtime, I see you.
For the mama who counts down the minutes until bedtime but then misses her babies, I see you.
For the mama who swore she’d never buy the chicken nuggets but then bought the chicken nuggets, I see you.
For the mama who doesn’t know what “screen time” means anymore, I see you.
For the mama who never felt like she could get ahead, I see you.
For the mama who had to learn what Common Core was, I see you. (PS: we’re carrying the one over here now, tell the others.)
For the mama who had to navigate literally anything to do with virtual learning, I see you.
For the mama who couldn’t travel this year, I see you.
For the mama who thrived this year and felt guilty for it, I see you.
For the mama who had to figure out the holidays for the first time without her family, I see you.
For the mama who watched their kids’ light dim a bit and carried guilt that you really can’t be everything for everyone, I see you.
For the mama who went to bed most nights feeling like a failure, I see you.
For the mama who feels like she somehow could have done more or been more this past year, I see you.
You are magic. Absolute magic. You are the warrior keeping your people going. Take a moment to validate the feelings of disappointment, pain, exhaustion maybe, and then release any idea that you could have possibly done this past year any better than you did. You’re their superhero, Mama. And they’re so lucky to have you.
One of the largest lights of 2020 for me, was launching this site in March. The week the world shut down, to be exact. The relationships I’ve gained through the most unprecedented of times have been more of a blessing than I can say, and the ability I’ve had to use this platform to support women and local businesses has been a true gift to me. I’m humbled by the support Annapolis Moms Network has received in such a small time in such a hard year. And I’m excited and hopeful for the community we’re building here. Thank you, sincerely, for following along here. It means the world to me.
Starting right now, we’re going to make room for better days ahead. We’re positioning the truth that we are able, worthy, enough, valuable, and seen right at the forefront of this year. We’re making room for tons of grace and do-overs and deep breaths.
How about this year we skip over things we vow to lose, and instead resolve that we’re only gaining this year. Perspective, confidence, strength, healthy habits, and whatever else you decide.
Happy New Years, mamas.
Love and Light,
Whitney
