As the year winds down, most of us are thinking about everything that has happened in the last year, and planning for the next year.
For those of us caught in a pandemic this year (read: everyone), it can easily feel like this was the worst year of our lives. And in many ways, it may have been.
However, even in the worst situations, there are always bright spots to be found. No matter how dark life can feel, there are always silver linings if you’re willing to look for them.
And that’s exactly what we need to do right now. Actively look for them—actively look for the good in people and in our circumstances.
And these moms have done exactly that!
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Silver Linings For Moms In A Pandemic
Not even supermom can help what life throws at her, but we all have control over how we respond to it.
We can focus on all the bad—and we easily do—or we can do the hard work of actively looking for the positive side of our circumstances.
We can look for ways to gripe about how many things were ruined this year. Or we can work to grow through it despite what happens.
And that’s exactly what the following moms have done. They’ve risen above what life threw at them, and found positive ways to grow as moms and women.
Here’s the silver linings they found despite a pandemic.
Patience. Self Care. Family.
As the year comes to an end, I have learned many things about myself as a mother and my parenthood journey. Some lessons were hard and others were repeats.
I’ve learned how to be more patient. Having two kids and now expecting a third can really tap dance on anyone’s nerves if we’re being honest BUT I have to remind myself every minute that they are just kids! They are learning the world and I am their first teacher. With a little grace, we will make it.
Incorporating a self care routine. Unfortunately I have to go to doctors appointments alone (thanks Corona!) but I have learned to appreciate the time alone. I actually looked forward to prenatal visits now! And whenever my husband is home, I am not. I need those moments to reset.
Spending quality time with family. As my oldest daughter becomes a big sister for the second time, I noticed she does a lot of things for attention like a typical 2.5 year old. I made the conscious decision to have one on one time with her, her baby sister and hubby as well. I haven’t mastered being balanced just yet but I must say, I’ve gotten MUCH better.
This year feels like we’re in a black hole, desperately trying to get out. The sad part is, we don’t know when. So until then, let’s make the most of it but also have no expectations. Motherhood is hard enough!!
— Nangia from Mind Over Motherhood
Focusing on what’s truly important
This year brought a lot of challenges for our family, but one positive was learning to focus on what’s truly important and letting a lot of little things go. The world was in such a different state under lockdown that our usual concerns didn’t make sense to stress over anymore.
For example, we gave the kids a lot of leeway when they were struggling with virtual school. It wasn’t worth it to fight over grades when this situation was new and difficult for all of us. As long as the kids were putting in some effort, I was happy with that.
I also learned to let my “keeping the house up” standards down even lower. With 6 people and 2 dogs confined to our home practically 24/7, it just wasn’t possible to keep things tidy all the time or we would have gone mad trying. Our dining room has been taken over by virtual school so we eat at the kitchen table instead.
We all pitch in more now with the house upkeep thankfully, but we aim for progress rather than for perfection. Overall, we’ve learned to prioritize our family’s health and mental health above all else through this period, and it’s a good reminder for the future.
— Gina from Steps To Self
Understanding temperament
2020 has been a crazy year for our family. There has been so much stress and uncertainty that we didn’t think we’d make it out in one piece. But we did. And we came out stronger, more peaceful, and more connected.
The most important discovery I made over this year is that both my eldest son and I are Highly Sensitive People. It’s been a game changer. I now understand more about temperament, and why he’s not like other kids. I also understand why I’m not like other parents, and what we both need in order to thrive.
I incorporated mindfulness and breaks into the everyday, and became a more present and peaceful mother. I know when I’m reaching my breaking point and am able to remove myself. This has in turn led to less tantrums and blow ups from my son.
While we are still a work in progress and have a difficult road ahead, I feel more confident in my parenting.
— Maria from Parent On Board
Releasing control
2020 has been a year of change! We unexpectedly got pregnant with our rainbow baby while I had an IUD in place. This came as a huge shock to us, but has given me a more positive outlook on life and changed my own parenting techniques.
Getting pregnant on birth control was never part of my life plan. But my plan has always been to be in control.
My positive technique to parenting has been to accept that I’m not always in control. Things in life happen unexpectedly, and we can either fight it or go with it.
I’ve learned that this also applies to parenting. I am a much more present and focused mom when I’m able to let go and let life happen.
Not only am I more present and focused, but I’m genuinely happier not feeling like I have to be in control of everything. Accepting that I have less control has given me the power to learn more about patience and understanding as well.
— Katie from Allen the Family
Learning through reading
With the onset of the pandemic and having to limit our exposure to others, I was really worried about my son getting enough interaction with other kids and adults.
I wasn’t sure how this would affect him and learning how to socialize. However, I was wrong. He’s been doing really well and he has shown me a few things during this time.
Instead of continuing to worry about our son’s exposure to others and getting to interact with people, we turned to books. My son, a 2-year-old, loves books. We can sit for what seems like hours and read books.
I found that through books his imagination is growing and he is learning so much more than he could have if we spent time visiting others. It’s brought a nice peace about the house, knowing that he just loves to read.
Often, he will bring us book after book after book, until we say it’s time for lunch or nap time. It’s given him a different kind of socialization, but socialization nonetheless.
Reading books to my son has given me more time to cuddle him and spend loving on him, they just grow up so fast! I get to see him learn right before my eyes as he asks questions and is engrossed in Curious George or whatever book we are reading right then.
During this season of unknown, I have learned that children will benefit no matter what happens as long as you provide them the right encouraging atmosphere. I’m so thankful for this time to watch my son grow and to see the changes right before my eyes.
— Jessica from Mama Expedition
What silver linings have you found?
What about you? Did you find a way to grow, shine, or thrive this year, despite everything?
Leave a comment below and let us know something positive that you took out of this crazy year!
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