Amy Boone is a mom to 3, a Teaching and Learning Specialist at Abilene Christian University, adjunct professor, and an admin for the WOM Facebook group.
“Motherhood is always an act of courage.” Stacy Schiff
How can one of the most natural and common experiences of half of the human population be an act of courage? Isn’t courage having the mind to step out and try something new? Or choosing to face something difficult? Or a spirit that allows someone to endure a challenge without fully knowing the outcome? But, isn’t motherhood all of these?
From the moment we see the second pink line on the test to holding her hand walking into the first day of kindergarten to watching him throw his graduation cap in the air with all of his classmates, motherhood requires and even demands bravery at every turn.
When we experience harshness, criticism, rudeness, or put-downs by others, we can often lose our courage. We question ourselves. We second-guess our choices. In World’s Okayest Moms, we chose to create an online space focused on positivity. We do not allow bashing or harsh judgement. We thrive on encouraging each other. Our first “rule” is “Be kind or be quiet.” Rudeness and cattiness are not allowed. We intentionally created an online space to be brave. Brave enough to be OK and not perfect. Brave enough to ask for help. Brave enough to share a struggle. Brave enough to be vulnerable.
Maya Angelou said, “Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
The online space of WOM works because we are brave. Out of this courage flows the kindness, mercy, generosity, and compassion.
I’ve been moved to tears as I’ve watched mamas post about their rocky relationship, sick child, loss of a family member, disobedient teen, addiction, or loneliness because the comments that WOMs show up with every single time provide empathetic support with words of love, solidarity, generosity, and so much grace.
“Every time we choose courage we make everyone around us a little better and and the world a little braver. And our world could stand to be a little kinder and braver.” Brene Brown