A mission to be different

I was standing on a playground recently when I started talking with another mom I’d just met. It quickly became apparent as we talked that I was thrilled that the school our kids go to was now offering full-day kindergarten, while the other mom considered it a bad thing--like something robbing us of family time.

I had this moment of insecurity, thinking, am I a good enough mom? Do I look for a way out of parenting? Am I not embracing my role enough?

I am grateful that in that moment, I chose to disregard those thoughts. I asked more about this sweet mom’s thoughts. I saw little bit into her heart as I learned what life had been like for her. She told me that both of her children have serious medical and developmental issues. She has lived in the hospital much more than she would like and feels a lot of gratitude for what health and well-being her children do have. She expressed gratitude that she had not lost a child and humbly shared that many other mom’s have much harder experiences than her.

What I shared with her, I wish for all of us.

We do not need to compare ourselves to others.

Her burdens are heavy. Period. They have shaped her life profoundly. She is doing the very best she can and I believe she is doing an amazing job.

My burdens are heavy. Period. They have shaped my own life profoundly. I am also doing the best I can and I am also doing an amazing job.

We are each good enough! We each have a mission to be different. Sometimes our lives will fit nicely into the philosophies of those around us. Other times we will “fit out.” We cannot diminish what we each contribute to society. Our voices are needed everywhere we go.

So, I want full-day Kinder and she wants half-day. And we are both good people.

Our world needs a lot of love for each of our differences. Let’s start here, with us.