The very fact that you worry about being a good mom, means that you already are one- Jodi Picoult

Motherhood. It is a word that carries significant weight and emotions. It is a journey, an experience, it brings lessons, it is full of ups and downs, laughs and tears, confidence and doubts. One minute it is on our side and we feel we can conquer the world and at other times we wonder what we are doing and we feel the need to lean on someone for support. 

Why is motherhood a journey? Think of travel where during that trip, you encounter different things, see different places, meet new people, but you may also find yourself facing challenges. You may have a delayed flight, or a long exhausting layover. All of these things are tiring and exhausting. At the end of it, you want to relax and make up for some lost sleep. Does that sound familiar?  YES! As a mother, you’re on this journey (only except it’s lifelong).

When I became a mother, I had several sisters tell me the days would feel long but the years would feel short and to make the best of those first years. This couldn’t be more true despite my initial thought being “ how can I enjoy this period, when I am not feeling my best? I had no idea what I was even doing.

 Rest assured dear mother, that the days and years are not passing by in vain. Allah sees and hears your struggles! He truly does. He is Al- Samee’, Al- ‘Aleem, the All- Hearing and All-Knowing. Allah knows you’re trying, Allah knows you care about your children’s well- being, their akhlaq and their education. Allah knows you worry about their future, and their health. Allah knows you go to bed each night feeling guilty as your browse through photos of your children and wishing you didn’t yell as much. Allah knows that you CARE and He knows the love you have for your children is immeasurable.   

Let’s take a look at how Allah describes the early years of motherhood. I remind myself of this verse below truly on my lowest days. On those days where even a cup of coffee doesn’t do the job and a nap doesn’t feel enough.

“And We have enjoined upon man to honour his parents. His mother carried him, in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the destination.” [Quran – 31:14]. Weakness UPON weakness in the quran is “وَهْنًا عَلَى وَهْنٍ” weakness is mentioned two times. This is Allah emphasizing that it VERY hard, it is a hardship layered over another hardship.

The journey is hard dear mother, it will push you, it will test you and it certainly will take a toll on you physically making you weak. So be gentle with yourself. Love and applaud yourself for your efforts and do not assume you have to be perfect. 

I want to end with this, be kind and gentle to yourself sister. There is no perfect mother out there that has it all figured out.  When you have those negative thoughts weighing you down making you feel like a horrible mother, think oppositely and remember you are your children’s WORLD, you are their light and believe me you are doing great! Keep it up, you are NOT alone and this is a journey that millions of other moms are on.