I recently and repeatedly have had a very candid conversation with my kids about having a “cheap” summer. You know how it goes, “so, please do not ask for things every time we go to the store, do not ask me to take you expensive places, learn to entertain yourself, read a book, do some math, go outside, enjoy the pool, you have enough here…” It was during my third speech that I realized that I needed to have this conversation with myself. I have enough. I am enough.

My husband and I, (and I’m sure many others) walk through this life thinking we never have or are enough. We have talked about how we work so hard to have so little.  So little? Are we blind or just blinded by comparisons and perhaps a little jealousy? We, women especially, are conditioned to always think that they need to be more- more thin, more pretty, more put together, more intelligent, more successful….

There was a night long ago when I had to sit with my soon-to-be fiance and tell him that I may not be able to give him children. Fast forward a few years, we made two pretty awesome kids. There was a time when we had to look for a home and never thought we would find one or be able to afford one. We have a smallish, comfortable, welcoming, loving home. We did that all on our own.  No one helped us financially.  We weren’t able to live at home and save some money. Our parents were already taking care of our  younger siblings and  a couple of grand-kids. We have good jobs. We have transportation, food and clothes.  Our kids do not really want for anything. Do we have a summer home or a boat, or take extravagant vacations? Nope, but we certainly have enough.

I’m not saying to abandon all hopes and dreams of better or different things. I will have my farmer’s porch some day! I’m saying at some point and the sooner the better, we have to say enough is enough. Our mental health and self-worth depend on it.

I am enough. I am strong enough to live with RA and PCOS. When my house isn’t clean and I’m too sore to do much, I am enough. When I am overwhelmed at work, I am still an enough teacher. When I am overly frustrated and snap at my kids, I am still an enough mom. When I should be more attentive to my husband, I am still an enough wife. When I should be more appreciative of my family, I am still an enough daughter and sister. When I should be more present, I am still an enough friend.

And you, you are Enough!