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Why You Need a Mommy Mantra

by Megan

I think I can, I think I can.

We all know the story of The Little Engine That Could, right? That little train needed a mantra to get over the mountain, and this mama needs a mantra to get through the daily mountains of life!

The mommy trenches is a thing. If you’re reading this, you’re probably in them right now. I wish that I could wave a magic mommy wand and make everything perfect for you. But since I can’t do that, I do have a suggestion that I hope will help make your day just a little bit easier. You need a mommy mantra!

Mom life can be tough, but the right mantra can help you get through the ups and downs and crazy days! Don't have your own? Here are some ideas you can steal!

A mantra is “a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation” or “a statement or slogan repeated frequently.”

A mommy mantra is a phrase you repeat in your head to keep your sanity when your kid spills an entire box of cereal on the floor or gets out of bed for the nineteenth time. Or when your son who is not quite potty-trained gives you the gift of a hand full of poop on Valentine’s Day. #truestory #spareyouthepicture #yesitookone

In The Weeds

Recently, I was reading an article by a mom who referred to herself as being “in the weeds” of mommyhood. And since reading it, the phrase “in the weeds” has become my mommy mantra.

With four young children (two in school and two at home during the day), I am most definitely “in the weeds” of motherhood. My life revolves around my children. The first thing I do in the morning is get them ready and take them to school. I make meals, I wipe faces, I change diapers, I breastfeed, I help with school projects, I break up arguments, I clean up messes… the list goes on and on.

My craziness x 4!

And when I think I can’t bear it any longer, I tell myself, “I’m in the weeds.”

No, it doesn’t magically make everything perfect. But it does help me to stop, breathe, and remember that (while I’m sure there will be new trials further down the road), this may just be as tough as it gets.

Someday (soon!) I will no longer literally be feeding a child from my own body. Someday they will all be potty-trained. Someday (big gasp!) they’ll all be getting dropped off at school!

And someday they’ll be gone. And I’ll be wishing I still needed a mommy mantra.

Mommy Mantras

So my mantra for the moment is “I’m in the weeds,” but if that doesn’t strike a chord with you, there are lots of other phrases you could choose to help you relax and soldier on. Here are some ideas:

Just breathe.
I can, and I will.
They need my love.
Choose your battles.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
This, too, shall pass.
Bedtime will come.

It is scientifically proven that slowing your breathing, counting to ten, and/or repeating a mantra helps you to calm down, refocus, and keep from having knee-jerk reactions.

So what about you? Do you have any mantras (mommy or otherwise) that help you get through the hard times? Feel free to share in the comments, and give yourself a pat on the back (or a bath, some wine, some online shopping?) for making it through yet another day in the mommy trenches!

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20 Ways to Feel Better Right Now | Shaping Up To Be A Mom October 3, 2018 - 11:41pm

[…] Say your mantra. Remind yourself that you are in control of yourself. You have […]

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