Find Your Cheering Section

How often do we moms do our everyday tasks, or even those things that are really, really important to us, with little or no recognition for them? I'm guessing that if your life is similar to mine, it's pretty often. Some of you may work full-time and be blessed with the recognition that comes along with that, in the form of a paycheck, praise from a boss or co-worker, or being able to look at your completed work and know that others in your office or workplace realize that YOU did that. You made that happen.
At home, it can be a little different. Moms who stay at home unfortunately don't receive a paycheck for the laundry and the toilet cleaning and the booty cleaning and the rug scrubbing and the decorating and the whining and the almost nonexistent time you have for yourself. We also usually don't hear, "Wow, mom! You are so awesome! What would I do without you? You're so great at getting all of this done and all of us taken care of! You really are a great mother who is teaching us all the right things and preparing us wonderfully for what is to come in our lives!" I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that most moms probably do not get that, and if they do, it's not often enough! But the thing is...we need that!
As I started up the vaccuum cleaner this morning my three-year-old actually started cheering for me. "Go, Mama, Go! Go, Mama, Go!" I didn't know where that came from and I didn't care. It was so sweet and it was as though his simple preschool mind knew that giving mom a little affirmation would go a long way.
It's the same in any and all areas of your life. It helps to have someone cheering you on, affirming what you are doing, and making you feel like you are making a difference and doing a great job.
Take a look at what goals you have set for yourself this year, whether your goal is to lose weight, start eating healthier foods, clean out your closet, or spend more time with your family or friends. Then find those people who inspire you and encourage you in what you do. Search for those who know your goals and want to help you meet them. Maybe it will be finding another mom who understands what you go through and is there to lift you up and help you to know that you're not alone. Maybe it will be finding a workout partner or a co-worker who has similiar resolutions. Maybe you will even decide to hire a personal trainer to keep you motivated when the going gets tough. Whatever you do and whatever your goals are, it's very important to surround yourself with those who understand and only want to see you reach the top. Find those people and stick with them.