Motherhood words of affirmation

TGIF! Today I'm linking up with one of my favorite blogs for a coffee date! If we were to have coffee I would tell you.....

I promise to share with you the beautiful pictures from our weekend get-a-way. They are coming, I swear. We're adjusting to a new schedule for the fall that includes way too many extra curricular activities for a 3 year old... forgive me.

It really was the perfect time of year to head to a mountain town- all the leaves were changing. Amazing. Our anniversary was Monday, but since we're without an overnight babysitter, E joined us on the trip.

While the entire weekend had sweet cuddles, unsolicited "i love yous," and family naps, there was a really kind moment that I didn't expect.

Friday afternoon, we spent time at some natural hot springs. It really could have been a romantic afternoon relaxing together. Instead, we played games of shark and "let's jump back and forth between mom and dad in the water." Ya know, no big deal.

At one point in the afternoon two ladies approached us on the side of one of the springs. They were of retired age and clearly enjoying a day of "girl time." One of them approached and said to me, "You really have the best attitude with your daughter, it is so wonderful to see. I hope you know what a good mom you are." With that, she just walked away.

I was so shocked by this all I could must up was a, "oh, gosh, thank you." Now, I wish I could tell that kind woman how much her words meant.

I've talked before about how I am not a naturally patient person, nor a naturally patient mother. I don't enjoy sitting on the ground playing dolls or coloring. Most of the time when I buy toys and activities I stand there weighing out the amount of time said activity will require from me.

Patience and quality time with E are things I struggle with. Active time was not something I got from my mom or grandma. I grew up in a house where they were willing to supply me with all the friends, activities, movies, and outdoor equipment my heart could desire.

So, to hear such kinds words from an observer really warmed my heart. There is something about getting affirmation from another mother that is priceless.

It gave me encouragement that I'm moving in the right direction. That I might not be totally screwing up my kid. And, it made me want to provide some affirmation to another young mother that is struggling.

It is so easy to not help a mama out. It's so easy to secretly judge her for not having it together. Why not acknowledge with her that this mama thing is tough? That we are really just doing the best we can. Why not tell her that yeah, it's tough, but she is doing great?

I've been really lucky to have this happen a few times in my short motherhood. It means more to me than anyone could know. Don't we all live in a little fear that we are raising monkeys, future serial killers, or ungrateful children? How about a little mama love, one mama to another?

If we as mothers and women took a few more minutes to help one another out or provide a few words of encouragement, wouldn't we all be a little better off?