Sad feeling days are extra hard when you’re mothering.

Because you can’t take that extra hour in the warm, cozy bed to sleep it off.

Because you can't show up late for motherhood. Your kids will come into your bed and tug on you, saying, "mommy get up" or "mommy, I'm hungry." And it's time to get going because they need you.

You can’t take the “me time” you so desperately need to go for a run or take a shower and clear your head.

You can’t take a mental health day from mothering and leave all your responsibilities behind.

Because your kids depend on you.

You still have to attend the birthday parties and playdates.

You still must smile and act friendly to other parents at school drop-off, Mommy and Me classes, and do errands.

You still have to make breakfast, lunch, dinner, and endless snacks.

And you’re putting one foot in front of the other and getting through, but you aren’t at your best.

You’re less patient,

more tired,

and you carry so much guilt.

Because the littlest things make you feel like the biggest failure, and you already feel like you’re failing your children by not being the mom they deserve.

But a smile and a hug from your children can ease your suffering.

Because your children are motivation. They’re a reason to keep fighting.

And if you can say that,

and you show up,

and try,

and love them through it,

then you’re a great mom.

This post originally appeared on the author's Facebook. Her book "Living FULL: Winning My Battle with Eating Disorder" is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2O4mJId. And my Children’s Book 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘖𝘬𝘢𝘺: 𝘈𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘰 is 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!: https://amzn.to/317TvVc