Every Mother’s Day, I spend time reflecting on how quickly the years have flown by. It seems as if only yesterday, my children were in diapers. Now, they are grown, living their own lives, and my oldest child, Russ, Jr., has children of his own. Now that they are adults, I remember how wonderful it was to receive their handwritten notes (in their most adorable elementary handwriting), and those precious arts and crafts that were proudly displayed on our refrigerator.

As I reflect, I think about the love, time, and energy I poured into my children. I think about the challenges I faced as a mother, and how each challenge helped me to grow and develop new skills that I never knew I needed. I think about the beauty of my relationship with my own mother and how that has shaped the woman I am today. My mother’s wisdom has echoed in my parenting style with my children. Mama taught me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, and I taught my children the same thing. I also taught my children the power of affirmations when they were young. I told them what I tell many people now: the power to achieve the life of your dreams lies within the power of your words.

Mamas, we are experts at taking care of others, aren’t we? We ensure that our spouses and children have regularly scheduled doctor’s and dentist appointments, but sometimes delay our own checkups and wellness visits. We take care of our families with great commitment and dedication, yet we tend to place ourselves at the very bottom of our priority list. With self-care being a priority in popular culture, now more than ever, we must remember the importance of daily affirmations. While bubble baths and massages are essential tools in our self-care arsenal, sis…don’t forget the power of your words.

Consistently affirming yourself becomes significantly more necessary when you become a mother. Why? Because you give so much of yourself when you are raising little ones. Caring for your children, while one of the most rewarding experiences in life, requires a lot of energy. Sis, if you have kids, I know you know what I am talking about and I know you feel me when I say that “mama tired” is another level of tiredness. Am I right?! This is why affirming and pouring into yourself becomes more crucial when you earn the coveted title of “Mama.” We all know that you can’t pour from an empty cup. And starting your day by affirming yourself is one of the ways that you can fill your cup.

Affirming yourself daily will transform you into the best version of yourself, which causes you to be the bestmother for your children. How can you affirm yourself as a mother? It starts with your mindset. When you wake up every morning, tell yourself the following:

I am doing a great job.

My best is enough.

My child(ren) has/have everything they need.

I don’t have to do everything right to be a great mom.

I lead with love when parenting my child(ren).

I hold space for my child(ren)

I love my child(ren) unconditionally.

Sis, make affirmations a daily priority. Take the time to fill your cup; do it for your babies and yourself! Your kids only have one mama, you owe it to them to show up for YOU. Be proud of your motherhood journey in all its splendor and perfect imperfections. Your babies are so blessed to have you, and don’t you forget it! Have you affirmed yourself yet today, sis?