What My Mom Taught Me About Strength

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hefty®.

When I became a mom, I expected it to be hard, but I didn’t truly understand the strength it would take to parent. Babies are easy. I’d take sleep deprivation any day over watching your kids as they get sick, are hurt, or struggle to find their way. There have been many times in my almost 15 years as a mom, that I’ve been grateful for the example my mom set for me and what she taught me about true strength.

My dad traveled a lot when I was growing up so my mom was often on her own with 5 kids. It was our normal. I didn’t realize until I was a mom how hard it is to be on your own. The days my husband is away or traveling and I have to tackle everything on my own I get so overwhelmed.

Kids are funny. As much as they love you, they don’t care when you are overwhelmed. My kids will see me doing 3 things at once and won’t think twice about asking me to do something for them.

Now, as a mom of 6 kids, I’ve had many moments where I’ve remembered doing the same thing to my mom. I realize now what kind of strength it took for her to manage everything on her own.

I know that, as moms, we often feel like our kids aren’t paying attention to the things we are trying to teach them. Looking back on my memories of my mom during my childhood, I realize just how much sticks with them.

My mom has taught me a thing or two about strength:

• She taught me how to love my kids unconditionally, even when they make dumb choices. My siblings and I were not the easiest to raise and I know we caused quite a bit of stress over the years.
• She taught me the importance of taking care of myself. I’ve gotten into the habit of giving myself time outs. My mom would respond to a bad day by taking one of us to the movies or planning a trip. I know I’m a better mom when I take a step back and take care of my own needs too.
• She taught me how to be flexible. Life definitely can throw you some curveballs. Learning to go with the flow and take whatever comes at you is an important skill. I’m still working on mastering this one.
• True strength is sometimes silent and steady. The biggest things we accomplish in life and sometimes done one small task at a time.

Ultra Strong Moms

Hefty® knows a thing or two about being strong. They celebrate strong moms who spend their days tackling strong messes.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Hefty® has teamed up with John Cena and his mom Carol Cena. I just love her. She has so much spunk and she definitely knows a thing or two about ultra-strength.

Hefty® Ultra Strong™ trash bags definitely make my life easier as a mom. They are Ultra Strong at a low price, which is a huge perk when I’m shopping for a family of 8. I love the ARM & HAMMER™ patented odor neutralizer because, without it, my trash can would absolutely be sporting some serious stink. My absolute favorite though? The Triple Action Technology to resist tears, punctures and leaks. There are few things more frustrating than having a trash bag break on you when you are already overwhelmed. 

This Mother’s Day, I’m celebrating strength in all forms. I don’t often feel strong. At the end of the day, I sometimes wonder if I accomplished anything at all, but I do more than I think I do. I’m sure you feel the same sometimes but honestly, you do more than you think. You are stronger than you feel. You are one tough mama. 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hefty®.