You have a superpower.
And every day you get a chance to use it.
It's the power to change the world.
By choosing play over pressure.
Peace over violence.
Kindness over power.
Compassion over neglect.
Forgiveness over blame.
Every. Single. Day.
As a parent you possess the power to change the world.
One day at a time,
one child at a time,
one interaction at a time.
And the world transforms.
But that does not mean you will be perfect.
You will falter.
You will yell.
You will curse.
You will break.
You will forget just for a moment how amazingly powerful you are and you will return to shame, anger, manipulation, and control.
It happens.
To all of us.
In our own way we each create own reasons for regret.
And then?
And then you have the chance to choose forgiveness again. This time for you.
Compassion. Understanding.
Second chances.
Unconditional love.
No one is perfect.
Not your partner, not your child, not your mother. And not you.
We're all stumbling along, learning as we go.
Doing our best.
We are all flawed.
It's part of the plan. It gives us good work to do with our time here on earth.
Allow yourself your imperfections.
Allow them to your child as well.
And yes, allow them even to that other mother you see on the street who's come undone and is yelling and pulling her little one roughly along.
She needs it most of all.
And then, remember your power.
Your superpower.
To shape the world, for good.
It takes courage to forge a new path.
To reach for peace when you were taught reach for power.
To reach for compassion when last time you faltered.
To reach for understanding even in frustration. Or exhaustion. Or anger.
You have the power to change the world. And also to change yourself.
And the harder that is for you, the more deeply I honor your work.
Onward, mama. Onward.
You carry the world in your arms.
It's your superpower.
Love,
Rachel
such wonderful words.
So liberating. Thank you. 💗
This is beautiful Rachel!
Ahhh… I’ve always believed my children were born with Super Hero Powers.. Each wears an invisible cape unseen by others- except for their Mama of course! My daughter’s is to save the world. My son’s is to defend those in need who have suffered the injustices brought on by others. I see it in them. I feel it in them. Mine is to help them along those paths with kindness and a soft voice. Because I love them…
I love this Rachel. So true. Thank you. xxoo
Thanks, Rachel. Always thought my powers were sort of invisible to everyone – glad you can see them!
My word for the year was Aware and I think part of being a superhero parent is about being aware. Of the language you use in front of your child, of the attitude you take when things get hectic, of the way you handle “incidents” during the day, of the food that you feed your child and the amount of time that you spend truly interacting with them, not just being in the room while they are plugged into the TV. You have the power, but you need to be aware of it.
Lovely! You know.. I can tell you’re a child at heart by looking at those pics..haha! Those are just wonderful shots of the two of you..pure sweetness. = )
Last night Teagie, my daughter, was in her hiding spot (on the far side of the dining room table) so I opened my arms to her for a hug. She said she was sad that I wasn’t her friend anymore. 🙁 I held her tight and told her she’s my very best friend and I love her so much. 🙂
You two look like the best of friends too 🙂 Have a great weekend!
So beautifully said. With five kiddos and little sleep I find myself not being the mama I want to be. Lovely reminder! Thank you
yep.
Your super power…is to make me well up with tears when I read your words! But seriously, they touch my soul…deeply. Thank you for that…for reminding me of what I already know but struggle with.
:)Lisa
Thank you… from one mama to another
Such wonderful & inspiring words, I needed this (especially after the week I’ve had!) THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 🙂
Thank you for writing such beautiful and insightful words. If you don’t mind, I’m going to print it out and frame it to remind me every day of my ‘grand plan’ (self acceptance).
I “stumbled here” from a post Jamie at “Simple Homeschool” posted on Facebook. I likewise had to share as well. http://thegiftofyouconsulting.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/did-you-forget-heres-your-reminder/
Thank you, for your sharing these words from your heart Rachel.
Thanks, DD – for the link and for sharing how you found your way here. Your little guy is too sweet! 3