Here’s the thing. I tend to focus on my failures and less on my accomplishments. I’ve always struggled with low self-esteem and depression. Those two things make seeing the positive in myself much more difficult for me. Factor in the pandemic and the negative internal dialog is brutal.

I’m trying very hard not to be dragged underwater. I’m working to focus only on the facts and the facts show that my kids are fed, clothed, loved, protected, safe, healthy and supported in every way possible. Sometimes, that’s all I can do and that has to be okay. Losing sight of just how important those things are is a mistake.

We’ve clearly established that I’m not perfect and in fact, feel like a parenting failure most of the time. Making mistakes and having very real, human limitations is just part of the gig.

I’m bringing this to your attention because I worry that many of you may be falling into the same trap. Please try to focus on the positive. Recognize your accomplishments and pat yourself on the back. I know it’s hard to do right now, because I struggle with it myself but it’s important.

We can work on this together and remind each other when necessary.

The first 50 days of COVID19 lockdown have taught me that while I’m far from perfect, I’m much stronger than I give myself credit for. I could have given up and just not taken this seriously because it was too hard. That would have been the path of least resistance and sometimes that path can be quite an attractive option, especially when things are so difficult.

That being said, I’m still here. I’m still taking care of my kids. I haven’t completely lost my mind and neither have any of my kids.

At the end of the day, the most important goal is to make it through this and to do so safely. So far, I’m on target to meet that goal.

Please learn from my mistakes. Cut yourself some slack. Give yourself a break when and where you can. Stay home. Stay smart. Stay safe. ☺