I am 10 months into being a parent, and of course with parenthood, you learn on the fly. Which is great…. But It’s also like jumping out of a plane with a parachute that isn’t strapped on yet—and trying to figure out how to work it while free falling.

I absolutely feel like I am getting the hang of it some days.

Other days, I feel like I’m falling short as a mom, a wife, and a person. I find myself missing my independence and my ability to function like I used to.

When You’re Just “Not in the Mood”

A few weeks ago, my husband witnessed me in a “non-parenting mood.” He asked what was wrong. I admitted that I just wasn’t in the mood to take care of another human being. I couldn’t fully give myself to anyone. This went on for a couple of days.

I still cared for my baby, of course, but I wasn’t Super Mom—I was in mom burn-out mode. It was a little frightening, considering I haven’t been a parent that long. I know this isn’t the last time it will happen. I expect it to happen more times than I can count over the coming years.

Still Human (Even with the Title “Mom”)

However, I also know that I’m merely human. I’m still a person who feels, wants, and needs. I hurt, tire, and get angry. I hope and dream. I just also have the title ‘mom’ now.

Grace, Guilt, and the Myth of Having It All Together

One of the many things you discover after joining “The Mom Club” is that we are all too hard on ourselves. We often forget to give ourselves grace. I need that tattooed on my eyelids as a constant reminder, but I guarantee you I’m far from the only one.

I find my biggest struggles aside from independence is being a patient and gentle parent… or wife for that matter. When I run ragged, I’m not as sweet and loving as I feel my baby deserves and if that doesn’t make you feel mom guilt! But it’s hard to pour out of a cup that’s overflowing or empty.

You’re Not Failing — You’re Just Being Real

When did we get the idea that we had to have it all together once we were given the title “mom”?

Somewhere along the way, we decided that we’re failing as parents if we’re not operating at 200%. How has keeping up with other moms become our measure of success.

Maybe the truth is – we’re not failing at all. We’re just being real about motherhood, unlike what we were taught to believe.

So let’s be brutally honest about it. Let’s show others what real, messy, beautiful motherhood looks like, so we don’t feel like we’re falling short or constantly trying to measure up. Show up, stand strong, God has given you everything you need to be a great mom.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” — 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

With grace, patience, and gentleness – The No Bull Mommy

Have a “not in the mood” moment in motherhood you’d like to share? ⬇️ Drop it in the comments.