You've Got This, Mama

In 2008, I interviewed Michelle Obama on a campaign stop for her husband in Austin. When I asked how she did it all, crisscrossing the country on a tour that eventually led to the White House with two young children in tow, she said, “I’m doing what every other mom I know is and that is juggling.”

I didn’t appreciate the wise words at the time, but today, with three kids, I get it. Juggling. Don’t we all? Dance. Soccer. School. Lunches. Church. Work. Bedtime. Repeat. It never ends. What I now most appreciate about Mrs. Obama’s words is nothing about juggling is perfect. The balls almost always drop.

I coach my kid’s soccer team but forget a scheduled interview at work.

I’ve forgotten dress-up days at school, shoved sight words into a top drawer that my daughter never saw, sent my son in his sister’s x-small t-shirt for his picture day and broken down in a parent-teacher

conference with guilt that my child’s struggles were a result of my shortcomings.

I’ve anchored many a live newscast with my kids hiding beneath my feet.

I often tell them that everyone’s “normal” is different and that is okay. Juggling. Every day I get up and pick up those balls. Some days it’s like a circus act and other days I can’t catch to save my life.

It’s stressful. It’s fun, and sometimes it’s a huge mess.

EVERYONE’S “NORMAL’ IS DIFFERENT AND THAT IS OKAY."

But, Mrs. Obama was right. It really is what every mom I know is doing, too.

No matter whether or not you drop all the balls or even get a black eye in the process, the main thing to know is that you’re not alone. Ask a friend or family member for help- there’s no shame in that. Just remember that at the end of the day you’re doing a great job because marriage, motherhood, and being a woman didn’t come with a manual. You’re writing your own.

by Julie Hays