Your worth is not measured by percentiles or averages or milestones reached.⠀

Your worth is not measured by the number of hours your baby sleeps.⠀

Your worth is not measured by your (un)willingness to separate from your child.⠀

Your worth is not measured by your ability to “bounce back”.⠀

Your worth is not measured by how closely you meet society’s expectations.⠀

Your worth is not measured by your ability to keep your child quiet and polite.

Your worth is not measured by clean floors and empty laundry baskets.⠀

Your worth is not measured by your ability to pretend you’ve got this.

Your worth is not measured by your (dis)interest in mirroring cultural norms.⠀

Your worth is not measured by the number of likes on tiny squares.

Your worth is not measured by your child’s achievements.

Your worth is not measured by your ability to navigate an impossible schedule.

Your worth is not measured by the number of friends you have that parent the way you do.

Your worth is not measured by your family’s (dis)approval.

Your worth is YOURS to determine.⠀

Your worth is measured by baby laughs, shared naps and cheeky smiles.⠀

Your worth is measured by midnight snacks, milk-stained sheets, and well-worn shoulders.

Your worth is measured by your child’s feeling of safety and security; by the depth of their belief that they are never alone in this big, wide world.

Your worth is measured by your ability to surrender into the unknown; to bravely step into the darkness with your eyes closed, your heart open and your soul curious.

Your worth is measured by your willingness to respond rather than react; to see your child for who it is they are, rather than what it is they are doing.

Your worth is measured by your ability to bravely hold the space for your child to express their big emotions, no matter how inconvenient, triggering or difficult it may be.

Your worth is measured by your ability to lean into discomfort; to stare down your own insecurities and dare them to melt away in the presence of unconditional love and acceptance.

Your worth is measured by your ability to embrace your reality rather than chase society’s illusion; to flow in harmony with your child rather than fight against them.

Your worth is measured by your willingness to be needed, truly needed; to recognize that you are your child’s true north, you are their compass guiding them home.

Your worth is measured by your ability to be open-minded and shift your perspective; allowing you to become the branch that bends in the breeze, rather than snaps.

Your worth is measured by your ability to sit with the discomfort of vulnerability; for nothing in life requires more uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure than being a parent.

Your worth is measured by your humility; in the realization that it is not you who is molding your child, it is your child who is molding you. Be malleable, for they are your greatest teacher.

Your worth is measured by your ability to allow love, affection, and connection to overflow, pouring freely into your relationship deepening the roots of attachment so that one day your baby will soar.

Your worth is measured by your willingness to fail gracefully, to forgive easily, to apologize wholeheartedly, to show up imperfectly and to evolve with enthusiasm.

Your worth is measured by your ability to withstand judgment as you trust your instincts and parent your child in the way she needs, making your choices based on love, not fear.

Your worth is measured by your willingness to embrace the fact that you do not own your child; their spirit chose you as their guide, not their master. Walk beside them, focus on the journey…trust that the destination will take care of itself.

But, above all else, your worth resides in the hearts of your children and, for them, it is immeasurable. You are the sun and the stars and the moon. You are the infinite possibility.

Let them love, trust and accept you unconditionally. Let them see you. Let them guide you back to yourself.

IMAGE CREDIT: Ashley Nowe

Thank you to Ashley Nowe, of Get Mom Strong for allowing me to use her image, which so perfectly depicts the juggle that is parenthood. Ashley is a mom of three, step-mom of two and a nutrition health coach. She runs the website, Get Mom Strong where she helps moms regain their strength, health and confidence. Check out Ashley’s website here where you can train with her and also connect on Instagram.