the best part of my day

this morning as i was making the bed, a sneaky little thought hit me... hard.

"i need to be a better mom."

"i don't cook enough."

guilt, mom guilt in particular, can be brutal. and for the most part we inflict it on ourselves. i would say 90% of the guilt i feel comes from my own expectations and self-talk, as opposed to others. 

this afternoon, i came across this post by joy from oh joy! on doing it all. 

there is comfort in knowing our struggles aren't all that different. 

there are so many things i criticize myself for on a daily basis...

"i don't spend enough time with my child." 

"strangers are raising her while i raise other peoples' children."

"she is at school for over 9 hours, and at home (awake) for only 3 or 4."

and at the same time, there are truths that go right along with those thoughts. 

"my daughter is loved and well-cared for."

"she is learning social skills that will benefit her as she grows."

"i love my job"

"i am fulfilled by going to work and doing my best for my students."

"our daily reunions are the best parts of our days."

when i pick her up from school each afternoon she smiles and runs to me. 

i'm doing something right.