Give yourself grace. This week two of my friends told me to give myself grace in separate conversations a few minutes apart. I needed to hear that. They helped me, help myself.

It has always been my intent to do and give my best but this became a struggle when I gave birth. Suddenly, I was forced to acknowledge and accept my humanness. I needed to give myself grace. Giving myself grace meant that I could not say yes to every request or extend myself to pick up others’ slack.

Giving myself grace also meant giving my husband grace. My best is not his best and his best is not my best. We are two individuals that have different ways of completing various tasks. While we may disagree at times on the process, we are learning to accept that done is best. I am so grateful for the active role that Willie plays in parenting Solomon. Often you hear that most men don’t change diapers, feed, and/or bathe baby, and so on, but Willie does all of that and more.

By giving myself grace, I have allowed Willie to carry some of the load that I had hoarded to myself. This grace has played a key role in Solomon’s development. Willie usually gets Solomon ready for the day and he established a potty routine. At 13 months old, Solomon pooped in the potty for the first time, I wholeheartedly believe that this was a product of that grace.

As I reap the benefits of giving myself grace as a mother, I am starting to extend myself grace in other areas as well. Moving forward I will give myself grace in every role that I play. I will also be more intentional about giving others grace; we all need it. I am grateful for friends that encouraged me to give myself grace. What areas do you need to give yourself grace in? Give yourself grace. What areas do you need to give others grace? Give others grace, too.