A Different Breed

image from thelakecountrymom.com

The other day we were driving down the road and my six year old (who loves to ask questions) said to me:

 "Mom, I don't understand. How can my cold sore be a virus and the coronavirus be a virus too? They aren't the same."

 After thinking for a moment, I responded.

"John, is Lucy a dog?"

"Yes."

"Is Maria a dog?" 

"Yes." 

"Are they the same?" 

"No! Lucy is a dachshund and Maria is a..." 

"A black lab. But they are both dogs, right? They are just different types of dogs." 

He was satisfied with my answer.

Our conversation got me thinking about another conversation I recently had with a friend of mine. She told me that when we first met she was intimidated by me, and listed off some of the reasons why. I couldn't believe that she would find me intimidating! And for the reasons that she mentioned! Especially when my own insecurities are what had kept me from pursuing a friendship with her in the first place. 

We mamas are funny creatures. We always think that some other mama (or maybe, at times, every other mama) is doing a better job than us. It's ridiculous!

You are the mama that was created for your children. You are the only YOU that has ever been created. You aren't meant to be someone else. I believe that God hand picked you to be just who you are. Embrace that. Don't be a Great Dane that is trying to act like a Dachshund (or vice versa). 

***Couldn't help throwing that in there, I really love the old Disney movie The Ugly Dachshund*** 

It paints a pretty ridiculous picture. But my friend trying to be me or me trying to be her would be pretty ridiculous, too. 

Yes, we can always learn from each other. We can celebrate each others' strengths and help each other navigate our weaknesses. But we can't be someone we are not. We can try, but it is wasted time. And our time is so precious.

You only have one life to live. Live it as YOU.

Lots and lots of love,

Lee