I completely understand. All types of moms deserve to embrace their self-worth: from career-driven mothers to those who stay at home, from slim moms to those with more curves. But while we celebrate the everyday mom—who navigates body image struggles, parenting missteps, and societal pressures—are we content with just being “good enough”? Is mediocrity merely a temporary hurdle, or has it become the benchmark we aim for?
I champion authenticity, but the mantra of “I’m not the perfect mom, and that’s perfectly fine!” can be a detrimental trend. When did pursuing greatness turn into a flaw?
Take, for instance, a friend of mine who holds multiple degrees and a prestigious award yet feels compelled to lament about her slightly overcooked cookies to fit in at playgroup gatherings. Another acquaintance downplays her son’s acceptance into an Ivy League school, pretending it’s no big deal for the sake of maintaining family connections. High-achieving women often find themselves downplaying their triumphs, apologizing for their success to make others feel better.
Hey, ambitious moms—just because some people feel inferior doesn’t mean you should feel superior. Many of us understand this balance.
What happened to celebrating our achievements and looking up to women who are unapologetically fierce? I’m not advocating for a constant display of our victories on social media; nobody deserves to be put on a pedestal. It’s healthy to chuckle at our misadventures rather than wallow in them. However, we shouldn’t feel the need to point out our flaws when someone praises us for crossing a marathon finish line in record time. Media should spotlight women who not only excel in parenting but also soar in various facets of life.
Why? Because it’s empowering to read about women like us who are making significant strides. I used to think that icons like Beyoncé could achieve it all because they have wealth and extensive support networks. Recently, I came across an article about an author who released yet another bestselling novel, but she credited her husband’s income for her success, suggesting she couldn’t have thrived without his financial backing.
This narrative conveniently lets the rest of us off the hook, doesn’t it? When did we start feeling intimidated rather than inspired by stories of success? Why don’t we celebrate the groundbreaking work of female scientists, Nobel laureates, or heroic healthcare professionals with the same enthusiasm as reality TV?
Moms don’t need any more justifications. The pressure to fit a certain mold is ever-present. Yet many of us are thriving in our careers, competing in triathlons, authoring articles, mastering new languages, and even achieving black belts. We shape public policy and save lives. We see our partners as equals, raising compassionate, high-achieving children. We’re organized, capable, and proud of our bodies. When we look at our families and friends, we feel an even deeper sense of pride.
While our partners may help with chores, we accomplish all this and more without the aid of an extensive support system or record-breaking sales. We are realizing our dreams and then some.
And there’s no need to apologize for it.
This article was originally published on April 16, 2015.
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Summary:
This article encourages mothers to embrace their achievements without feeling the need to apologize or downplay their successes. It advocates for a shift away from mediocrity and the normalization of self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of celebrating accomplishments and inspiring others rather than succumbing to societal pressures.