A little over four years ago, I received a Facebook message from a friend who I had gone to high school with. We had chatted a few times in the years since graduation. She suggested that I look into Stroller Strides, a group fitness class where moms can bring their babies in strollers. (She owned a franchise outside of Boston at the time while my family and I were moving back to CT). “It’ll be perfect for you!” she said. “You’ll love it!” she exclaimed. “It changed my life!” she attested. So, I tried it. And it did. But what does that have to do with me – right here, right now? The point of this post is simple: you never know where your reach ends or how you are impacting another mother’s life.
This friend and I were in a fantasy football league one season with some other moms, we met at Bruce Park when she was home visiting and we let our boys run around together. She routinely ‘liked’ my posts on social media and commented when I had accomplished something tough. I tried to do the same for her.
But, with that one message in May of 2011 – she arguably changed my life. She inspired me to seek out like-minded women. My tribe. My squad. She reminded me that my own personal health and wellness was important. She encouraged me to be active and a positive example for my family. She had no idea but she saved me with one simple message. In the years since, I’ve found a love that I may never have discovered.
The reason I’m reminiscing about this now is because I never had the chance to tell this friend how much she changed my life with those few simple words she typed. We hear so much in the media about negative mom bashing, mean and bullying posts, and how people are always telling each other what is ‘best’ in terms of motherhood. Sharing experiences is important in this journey we are all on but we need to be encouraging, supportive and positive. You can never really know or understand where your reach ends. It is the daycare teacher who tells you, “It’s okay to want to go back to work.” Maybe the friend who says, “Don’t forget about your husband.” Even the coworker who compliments your new pants. Perhaps it was the random stranger in line behind you at the coffee shop who reminds you that the days are long but the years are short. These are the tiny moments we remember when it gets tough. Moments that weren’t necessarily intended to be of such great importance.
So, here is my plea. Reach out to some of those unknowing people who have so impacted your life. Thank them. Remind them that you are there for them and that you appreciate their words. I wish I had.
Who has helped you in this journey of motherhood that deserves a ‘thank you’?
