Hug: Photo by Arwen Abenstern / CC BY 2.0

We as humans and busy mothers tend to become caught up in daily life. There are obligations to care for, housework to be done, work, children’s needs and more. It all can be overwhelming at times. It can be isolating to be so “caught up”.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or isolated, try this simple way to add some light to your day.

Kindness.

We need more kindness in this world. Not only does day to day life feel overwhelming at times, there is so much going on in the world. We hear so much negative and it is draining.

Kindness does not have to be a grand gesture. Small acts of kindness can cause ripple effects.

The following are small ways you can show kindness.

• Give a genuine compliment to someone. Tell someone something specific you appreciate about them.
• Give a smile
• Buy someone’s coffee
• Call or text a mom friend to see how she is doing
• Hug your partner and children
• Participate in a family friendly community event
• Tell your mother how much she means to you
• Volunteer with your children

Showing kindness can brighten someone’s day, and it can also elevate your mood. It feels good to be kind.

Read more about the kindness ripple effect here.

Read about a small act of kindness that had big impact here.

Here is another one about kindness living on.

Adventure Boy

Personality is an enduring set of traits a person poses throughout life. We all have a set of these traits. Instead of wishing yours were more like someone else, embrace your traits! What are YOU really good at as a mother? Are you the mom who is able to remember everything and have a plan for the day providing great structure for her kids? Are you the mom who is spontaneous and fun? Are you an active mom? The warm and gentle mom? The chill mom? The social mom? Are you introverted or extroverted?

It is important to remember every mother has areas where she is great and areas where she is challenged. Letting go of the pressure to measure up to another person’s great traits and hide your challenging traits is relieving. Embrace you. Your kids have the mother they are meant to. This includes the great and challenging traits you possess.

If you would like to learn more about your personality take this personality quiz.

After taking the quiz check out more about the 16 different personality combinations.

Check out this report about personality and parenting. I found it interesting.

This article has tips about when your personality conflicts with your child’s.

Finally check out this article. It includes a cool graphic about the personality types.

Finnish flag: Photo by Lauri Rantala / CC BY 2.0

Today is Labor Day and the purpose of this post is solely appreciative. SISU is a Finnish word that cannot quite be translated into English correctly. In the Copper Country of Upper Michigan, many individuals are of Finnish decent and words to describe the concept of SISU by locals include: determination, guts, spirit, strength through adversity, perseverance, bravery and grit.

Since I have become a mother, I have seen other mothers in a whole new light. Mothers amaze me. Mothers have SISU.

Mothers run on zero sleep, take care of multiple children and head off to full time jobs on a daily basis.

Mothers manage to care for busy toddlers needs even when she herself is sick.

Mothers bravely balance households as she works to guide her child through a health challenge.

Mothers stretch budgets further than humanly possible to feed her children.

Mothers humbly do the most important job in the world.

Since becoming a mother I have seen, read and heard so many stories of mothers who bring greatness in everyday life.

Moms, give yourself the credit you deserve. Look at all you do on a daily basis.

You amaze me. You have SISU.