I have a wonderful guest today on Unmasked, a series where I interview women about their personal relationship with Motherhood or Marriage. Today I am featuring Stephanie Loaiza of Six Sisters Stuff.
Steph is a wife to Andrew and mother to two sweet little girls. Steph loves to read, run, shop, travel, and hang out with her husband and family.
1. How do you keep your motherhood happy?
I’ve found there are two things that help me be the happiest mom I can be:
1) Reading the scriptures every day. When I take time to read the word of God, it brings a spirit of peace into my life, and I feel like I can be happy through all the craziness that young motherhood brings.
2) Taking time for myself. It is so easy to get lost in everyone else’s problems and everyone else’s needs as a mother. When I take time to do something for myself, whether it’s going to the gym, a few extra minutes in the shower, reading a few chapters of a book, or picking up a Diet Coke at the drive through, I am a much happier mama!
2. What is a unique tradition you have with your kids?
Something I’ve started the past few weeks is letting my girls pick a 30-minute activity every day that they want to do. Ninety percent of the time, we just end up reading the same three books over and over and over again, but they get my complete, undivided attention and they really seem to love it! (Once they can speak in full sentences, I’m sure they’ll let me know.) 😉
3. What is something you struggle with as a mother?
We live in a very social-media centered world – and it really can be used for such good things! – but I always find myself falling into the comparison trap. I see other moms my age who seem to have it all together, and their kids are perfectly dressed, their hair is perfectly coiffed, their home is spotless, and the list goes on and on! It is my biggest weakness!
4. What encouragement or advice do you have for others dealing with the same thing?
The best piece of advice I’ve heard about staying out of the comparison trap is to remember that what most people share is their “highlight reel.” We tend to compare the very worst parts of ourselves and the very worst parts of our days to the VERY BEST parts of theirs! The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you used to be. Trying each day to be a little better than the person you were the day before is the only thing you should be worried about.
5. Why is motherhood important to you?
I always knew I wanted to be a mother, but having kids of my own has brought a new sense purpose into my life. I truly believe that mothers play a vital role in teaching their children and shaping the future. I believe learning how to speak kindly, how to serve, and how to treat others with respect is something that is learned best in the home. Because I am home with my girls all day, that responsibility falls on my shoulders. Although it can be intimidating, I love that it has inspired me to try to be a better person because I know they are watching everything I do!
You can visit Steph on facebook, instagram, or her website.
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