While I would love to take all the credit for my amazing daughter; the pediatrician has assured me that it has little to do with me and not to hold the next child to our first's standards.
At the same time my daughter is verbally communicating beyond her age, she is also figuring out things I thought I wouldn't have to deal with for several more years. Between opening childproof things and already wanting to know why girls and boys have different parts we have faced many challenging situations.
Today is National Honesty Day. In all honesty, yes, I have an amazing daughter and a great life. Yes, sometimes I feel guilty about it when talking to friends and don't share certain triumphs. Other times I catch myself bragging because I am so proud of this kid.
In all honesty, there are days that even with an amazing kid and family and life that I still feel depressed without being able to explain why. There are days I get overwhelmed or fed up with my daughter's whining or a miscommunication with my husband. There are days when I lose my temper. We are a real life family, not a perfect one out of a movie. We live a messy life of juggling opposite work schedules and trying to keep all the bills paid like so many families.
I am not perfect. My daughter is not perfect. My husband and our marriage are not perfect. But we are imperfectly perfect. We are our own form of "best" and we are better as a team.
Know that my pride for my daughter does not diminish how proud you are of your child. They are all unique and amazing. Please know that my life is not a perfect picture, it is as real and messy as any other life and relationship. And I will do my best, like you, to remember that comparing ourselves to others is not what we're here for.
I'm grateful for the honesty of my friends and family in these admissions. I'm grateful to take a step back and see where I can be less boastful. I'm grateful to be honest and open about my own weaknesses as a parent. I'm grateful to observe and address my own feelings of lack, guilt, and missteps. I'm grateful for my amazing daughter. I'm grateful for a loving husband. I'm grateful for my team of support people that have my back when my patience is running thin. I'm grateful to admit I am imperfect. And I'm grateful for honesty.
What honesty could you share today? Is there a side of you that you portray better than it may actually be? We are all human and while there is nothing wrong with building ourselves up a little, it can also be healthy to express the truths of our fears and weaknesses. Many times we learn we aren't alone.
May today remind us to build honest connections. May we remember that comparison is the thief of joy and everyone has their own wins and challenges. Have a beautiful day!