As a doctor and a mother, I’ve been making a concerted effort to cultivate confidence in my parenting approach. It’s not just about building self-assurance in general; I’m focusing specifically on how I navigate the challenges of motherhood. Whether it’s dealing with comments about my kids’ screen time or the fact that they love wearing their superhero costumes out in public, I’ve learned to shrug off negativity. I take pride in my decisions and stand firm against external judgments.
However, I never anticipated how I would react to a seemingly innocent compliment. Recently, a fellow mom, Lisa, remarked that I was “a laid-back parent.” Instead of feeling flattered, I found myself spiraling into insecurity, interpreting her words as a subtle jab implying that I was lazy or not as good a parent as she was. My partner, Jake, patiently reassured me that Lisa meant exactly what she said—there was no hidden agenda behind her compliment.
Why Do We Struggle to Accept Kind Words?
So why do we struggle to accept kind words? Perhaps it’s societal expectations, upbringing, or the media that lead us to doubt genuine praise. Many of us have a tendency to undermine compliments. When someone says our children behaved remarkably well, we might respond with, “Oh, they were great today, but yesterday was a different story.” We may say “thank you,” yet in our minds, we question the sincerity of the compliment.
It’s common to misinterpret the kind words of friends, family, or even strangers. When someone admires our hairstyle, it’s easy to think they’re implying we looked unkempt previously. Instead, we should accept compliments at face value. If a relative says your kids were delightful during their visit, take it to heart. If someone acknowledges your efforts as a parent while you’re juggling a shopping cart full of groceries and kids, let those words uplift you.
Embracing Compliments
Let’s collectively decide to embrace compliments moving forward. When someone pays us a compliment, let’s believe it wholeheartedly. We should take pride in ourselves, our parenting choices, our appearances, and our homes. We are extraordinary women, filled with resilience, beauty, and strength. If someone notices these qualities and expresses it, let’s absorb that positivity and carry it with us.
Starting today, I commit to accepting compliments as they are intended. I’ll silence any nagging doubts and respond with a sincere “thank you.” And why not celebrate with a little something special afterward, like indulging in an extra glass of wine, because clearly, I’m rocking this motherhood thing!
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Conclusion
In summary, it’s essential for us to accept compliments graciously and believe in their sincerity. By doing so, we can foster a positive self-image and celebrate our achievements as mothers.