I am three weeks into being a mom of four and I’m not ashamed to admit it’s tough. For all the moms who have said to me “I don’t know how you manage 4 kids”, the secret is: I don’t know either. It’s a learning process and there are good days and bad days. But I think it comes down to attitude. How do I look at my life? What do I focus on? Do I life my life based on negative or positive viewpoints?
The Negative Viewpoint
OMG…I have FOUR kids! I have a house that’s too small for so many people and strewn with toys, crayons, and crumbs from last night’s dinner. Is THIS my life? I have kids running everywhere, a crying baby, leaking breasts, a to-do list a mile long, and a dinner that won’t cook itself. Will I always be exhausted, have a baby on my hip (or in my belly), drive an older minivan, and constantly need to lose weight? I worry about money, schools, my kids’ BMIs…will my life always be like THIS?
OR I could look at life like this:
The Positive Viewpoint
Wow! Is THIS my life? I’m so lucky! I have FOUR healthy, happy, well-adjusted kids and a husband who loves them as much as he loves me! I have a house that can fit several kids in one room and gosh it’s so great that my children have so many toys and creative outlets. I won’t always have a cuddly, sweet-smelling baby sadly, so I am lucky to have this precious time now. What’s a few months of little sleep in the big scheme of things? I am blessed to have a car that runs well and fits all my family (plus some) and if I just keep working at it, these baby pounds will come off eventually. My worries are real but not life-or-death and my life is certainly better than most. Is THIS really my life?
Today I am making a conscious choice to choose the positive. Are you?
I’m right along with you. Was thinking about calling you the other day. Love your positivity! Bookmarking this post when I need an inspirational vitamin! xo
Maria-
I am always so impressed with you and all you do. Yes count your blessings because not everyone is blessed to have a big beautiful healthy family.
On the other hand I recently visited a friend that just became a mother of three and by was she struggling and it was always hard for us to get out the house, there was always something. Man being a mamma of more than one child is no joke.
Love your view of your life. I couldn’t imagine having four kids, but if the Lord blessed me I’d find a way to deal with it.
At least you have 3 little helpers with the new baby.
Blessings!
What a wonderful outlook to have, Maria! Your positivity will most certainly rub off on your children. Thank you for the reminder to recognize the little blessings in our daily lives :-). Such a beautiful family!
I love this..I’m a mom of 3 (with two under the age of 3) and I wonder this all the time! THanks for keeping me so positive!
I love this, Maria! Such a great point of view and very well written. I’m one of those always asking how you handle all of this and I am truly inspired by you and your journey through motherhood.
Maria, I enjoyed your post. You are an inspiriation because you are a great and active mom WHO IS ALWAYS ON THE GO! #Loveit.
Motherhood, no matter how many children we have is hard, but like you said…. we focus on the positive because THIS IS OUR LIFE!
What an inspirational message and one for all mothers to consider! Thanks for this gem, Maria!!