I read a blog the other day that said “there is no trophy” for natural birth.
I get what they mean ….. the most important thing is having a healthy baby, right?
And there’s no trophy for breastfeeding for a year.
But, the baby is fed …. correct?
There’s no trophy for staying home with your child or being a mom who works outside of the home.
The most important thing is that the child is loved and cared for ….. eh?
Except, here’s the thing. Maybe we need a trophy. Maybe we need recognition for doing hard things. You get that stupid sticker that says 26.2 for running a marathon. Where’s my sticker for “pushed a baby out of her lady parts without pain medication?” Or a decal for “tried to push a baby our of her lady parts without meds for the second time but changed her mind, got the meds and was soooooooo happy?” I’m going to need both for the back of the Subaru.
In our very sensitive society, someone being proud of an accomplishment can be often met with “Well, you saying (insert accomplishment here) makes me feel bad about (my choice or situation).”
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all just celebrate the choices that we all make out of love?
You made the choice to breastfeed for a year? You are a bad ass.
Did formula feeding work better for you? #queen
You are busting your butt working 12 hour shifts, supporting your family? Gold medal for you.
Are you are holding down the fort while your partner works outside of the home and everyone is still alive and sane when he / she / they comes home? Give that momma a trophy.
Did you home school your kids during the pandemic? I am in awe of you.
You sent those kiddos to public school on the bus with their masks, hand sanitizer and water bottle? You are amazing and brave.
Here is the thing that we could all do a little more of this year. Let’s celebrate each other. Let’s celebrate the big victories like getting your nursing degree with multiple little ones at home and the little victories like making it through the day without yelling.
Remember Charlotte in Sex in the City yelling “I choose my choice! I choose my choice!” Be proud of your own choices and the choices that others are able to make around you.
Me celebrating you and your accomplishments doesn’t mean that I am any less valuable and worthy.
Repeat that again.
Me celebrating you and your accomplishments doesn’t mean that I am any less valuable and worth.
Maybe there isn’t a trophy for motherhood, but there should be. I, for one, could use a little more cheerleading. Let’s lift each other up and celebrate each other.
And someone make me a car decal while you’re at it!
