"You're doing a good job, Mom"

This past week, I have stressed over various small things about Kayelee, ranging from her refusing a sippy cup/regular cup to drink milk from (rather than her bottle) to her knack for using her cuteness to somehow steal things from the old ladies in Relief Society. Don't worry, all the items eventually get returned by the end of class. :P

She stole this necklace from me. Really, who can say 'no' to this face?

Now, these things probably aren't as big of a deal as the amount I've stressed about in my head (including other habits of hers I'd like to tone down and/or break). But, twice this week, in the moment I am reaching the peak of my frustration, a mom has told me, "You're doing a good job, Mom." Once it was told by my bishop's wife, and another by my good friend. In those moments, it seems all the stress temporarily melts away and brings me back to reality.

How wonderful it feels to hear that. It means so much for a fellow mom to tell another that they're doing a good job, yet so little do I hear others say it. Sometimes it's just great to hear so we can just relax a little more and enjoy our kids as they are- sticky fingers and all their quirks.

So many times I hear of moms (embarrassingly including myself) comparing themselves, and their kids to other moms and kids. Why in the world do we do that?! We should embrace our differences in order to learn from them. We can stop comparing each other, and instead start helping each other out, and supporting each other more. We can tell them they're doing a good job. We can feel like we're doing a good job. We can enjoy each other, their kids, and especially our kid(s) more.

So, my goal is to tell more moms they are doing a good job at what they do. Also, I am making a goal to love others for their differences, and love them through both their good times and challenges in life. Finally, I have a goal to love myself (and my little girl) more for being different in our own ways.

What are instances when someone has given you words (or deeds) of support at just the right time?

The smallest compliment, advice, or act of service speaks volumes to the receiver.