I believe in the power of the words we tell ourselves. Our inner monologues have so much influence over how we feel.
The problem, though, is that our brains are wired to over-learn from negative experiences and under-learn from positive ones. Thankfully, we can practice disrupting these cycles by (gently) acknowledging the negative thoughts and challenging them with something more hopeful.
I hope these mantras will help you and me both develop a kinder inner voice and live with MORE LOVE, for ourselves and our families, every day.
12 Mantras for Moms Who Want to LOVE MORE
1. No grit, no pearl.
For the week (or the parenting stage…) you know is going to wear you out!
2. Only love today.
Borrowed from the Hands Free Mama. So simple and beautiful and powerful!
3. Today I will move at a child’s pace.
For the mom who needs more patience (is there a mom who doesn’t??), or who simply wants to be there more with her kids. This one helps me see the world through my kids’ eyes instead of hurrying them straight by it.
4. Being and Enjoying, not Wishing and Wanting.
I read a line once that struck me and inspired me to live with more gratitude in the now:
“Wishing and wanting instead of being and enjoying. I have decided that I don’t want to do [life] that way.” Anna Quinlan
5. Err in the direction of kindness.
This line comes from a commencement address by author George Saunders. Think of it this way: Kindness to those around us, kindness to our families, kindness to ourselves.
6. I am open to the lessons my children teach me.
A variation of another favorite quote of mine: “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” Angela Schwindt
7. Plot twist!
Mixing it up with this one, because sometimes family life can send us scrambling! When your baby has a diaper blowout right as you’re heading out the door… When your preschooler ruins a new piece of furniture with a Sharpie… When your tween refuses to wear anything you pick out for him… Try to find away to laugh about it. “Plot twist!”
8. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.
A quote from Rohld Dahl. That guy knows what’s up. This mantra can come in particularly handy when something inside you is keeping you from playfully engaging with your kids.
Carry on, magic seekers.
9. Heart and eyes wide open
A simple phrase for the days when you just want to feel awake.
10. This is my motherhood. I only get to do it once.
I think of this one often to help me remember how fleeting this experience really is. {Related: 32 Ways to Savor Your Children While You Have Them}
11. I HAVE enough, I DO enough, I AM enough.
A powerful mantra from Shawn Fink, of The Abundant Mama Project. You are enough.
12. May I practice with what I’m given, rather than wish for something else.
A line from the beautiful passage pictured above, by author Katrina Kenison.
I’d love to hear if you have a line or a phrase that you repeat in your head when things get tough… Share if you do!
Beautiful images via Australia-based LightHeart Photography. Find Cat on Instagram here!
I like all of these! Have you seen the new Cinderella movie yet? You should. Her mom taught her “have courage, and be kind” and that was kind of the theme of the movie (sorry if you already know this). But I really liked that and would love that to be my family motto! It totally made me think of you.
Erica, I love your insights and I love these beautiful printables! I have a mantra I was wanting to print (Slow down, Soften, Savor) and make into something pretty…do you have any good apps that you could recommend for that? I love what you’ve done here and plan to print right now! Thank you!
Beautiful! Printed out this morning <3 I see an Etsy store in your future, my friend.
Thanks for this. WIll print this out. Love it!
Erica, I love this mantra. Thank you. Love.
Thanks for this! It’s hard to pick a favorite from this batch. Another gem: Savor the in between moments where life happens.
Oh my goodness, I love that one, Katrine!
I saw one recently that I absolutely love. It starts with saying ‘ I get to…’ insead of I have to do etc. It makes so much sense, I get to drop my kids at school, I get to make their meals etc etc. It’s really good for helping you actually realise every time that these things are a privilege & not a chore.
Absolutely, Kirstin! I’ve heard that one too before, but I needed that reminder tonight. Thank you!
Thank you this post was really inspiring. All these are amazing reminders that we are always learning and trying to get better as our kids get older we evolve as parents. My two favorites were 4 and 8.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ana! Thanks for being here!
“Choose Love over Fear”, I often repeat that to myself when I’m fighting my anxiety while being a mum of two small children. It always helps ground my feelings and know that love trumps all ?