Remember, Mom, You Deserve to Dance

Mother’s Day is tomorrow. And for most moms with little ones, it’s not always a day filled with relaxation, breakfast in bed, massages, and mimosas.

Most of us will still be changing the dirty diapers, wiping sticky fingers, chasing after little people, and preparing family meals.

Motherhood is hard.

I don’t think I ever realized how hard it could be until I was suddenly thrown into it when my son was placed in my arms. Yes, we are well past the newborn stage, but there’s always a new stage. And the new stage only lasts a few months. And then it’s on to another stage of life.

The new normal is getting used to the constant change that comes with my son’s growing body, heart, and mind.

In the middle of all that I have experienced in young motherhood, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to dance.

Why is dancing so important you ask?

Because when I remember to dance, I’m reminded not to take things so seriously. I remember to enjoy the little moments of togetherness. To treasure young motherhood in all that it encompasses. The crazy. The emotional. The snuggles. The food thrown on the floor. The little hugs and kisses. The numerous diaper changes. The chubby legs. The diaper explosions. And the best little laugh in the world.

With all the ups and downs of motherhood. With all the flops, mommy do-overs, and extra tissues for the days with teary eyes… this mom needs to dance.

Our family dances.

We dance to The Temptations, Taylor Swift, The Beach Boys, Sam Cooke, Chicago, Daft Punk, The Killers, The Beatles, Selena Gomez, Chris Tomlin, Temper Trap, The Newsboys, Frank Sinatra…you name it, we dance.

It’s usually completely spontaneous, but we dance. The music takes over and we just have fun, enjoying the moment.

I love watching my son dance. He’s now at the age where if any tune comes on the radio or television, he wants to move his little body. One arm will lift up high to touch the sky, and his other arm will stay at his side. He’ll occasionally do a spin or bounce. But, he loves music. It doesn’t matter if it’s a commercial jingle, a cartoon theme song, or the number one song on the radio; he just wants to dance.

In the midst of motherhood, momma, will you remember to dance? Yes, I’m talking to you (and myself).

Will you remember to take some time to sway your body, move your feet, and sing at the top of your lungs?

Mom, for this Mother’s Day, turn the music up.

Remember, Mom, you deserve to dance.