An open letter to you, my dear friend…
Dear Olivia,
No, I didn’t have all the answers either. No, I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing. No, I did not have the absolute certainty “that it’s going to be alright in the end.” I still don’t have them, and I don’t think I ever will until I look back in my old age and stare at my adult child.
Yes, I was physically exhausted. Yes, I was mentally and emotionally tired too. Wait, was it just me, or was it everyone seemed so irritating and pulling my brains out? Yes, even my beloved hubby. Momma and child against the world.
I have been there and if I am being honest, past one year mark, sometimes, I’m still not out of the tunnel. But I’ve learned a thing or two. So let me tell you…
Yes, I didn’t have all the answers and probably doing the wrong thing. But yes, it was alright in the end.
No, all forms of exhaustion do not take over you. Because you have the strength from the depths of your heart and soul. God called you to be a mother, so He put power and courage in the deep fabrics of your mind, body, and soul when He made you. And no, the world is not against you. Most people are cheering on you, lean on those who are. Especially your husband.
If the noise in your head takes over the silence of your home and the stillness of your soul, put on these playlist that I made for you and allow music to bring some comfort and joy to your days.
I made “Mary is Beside You” especially with you in mind because I know how isolating motherhood can feel sometimes, even when you’re surrounded by people. But in the middle of all your struggles—whether it’s the late-night feedings, the tears you cry in the shower, or the doubts that creep in—Mary, our Mother, is right there with you. She understands your heart like no one else, and she is holding you in her loving embrace. Because ~2000 years ago, she was in the exact same position as us. Let this playlist be a reminder that you are not alone, and you are held by a love greater than you can imagine.
“Let the Children Come to Me” is a softer playlist you can play when Michael is around. It’s also for you, to remember the simple, innocent love of a child. Observe your child’s sense of wonder, their pure joy. Michael will have an unexplainable spark that will brighten your day. Listen to these music, hold him close, let go of the stress and just breathe in the moment. Jesus loves Michael just as much as He loves you.
And finally, “Mama Dances In Her PJs” is pure fun. It’s for those days when you need to shake off the exhaustion, throw on something comfy, and dance like no one’s watching. Trust me, it helps. Sometimes, you will find yourself skipping shower for a day or two and inevitably self-pity creeps in. But if I had to redo it, I would just celebrate and dance in my jammies. Your babe loves your smell because he loves you. So, whether you’re cooking dinner or just trying to get through the never-ending to-do list, sometimes you just need to dance it out! These songs are meant to lift your spirits, help you smile when you can’t, and remind you that even in the midst of all the chaos, you can choose dopamine over cortisol from a little bit of rhythm.
Olivia, even on the days when you feel like you’re falling apart, you are strong because God made you to be. Remember, motherhood is not a test, it’s a season of growth and an opportunity for sanctification. So grow alongside Michael and become precisely the mom he needs, day by day.
The days are long, but the years are short. So put every struggle in perspective, rest when you can, and pray a lot.
Mary is beside you and through her, Jesus is pouring the graces you need for this very role God chose for you.
Love,
Cris
