"You've GOT to stop being so hard on yourself!"

   These are the words my friend Dani insisted to me a few weeks ago. I was fretting about possibly hurting someone's feelings when a she gave me this advice which has turned out to be some of the best I've gotten in a while.  I constantly worry about being the perfect mom, wife, friend, you get the picture. Am I the only one who does this?  I don't really know why it resonated with me so much that day but since then I've tried to stop feeling guilty about every move I make.

Coaches' Wives Club -Kaylor, Hollie, Dani, Me (please no comments about my chins)

So it got me thinking about advice. Here are some I read recently that I LOVE:
(My comments/reactions are in grey)
1. We need to change what we say and what we allow to be said in front of us.
2. There are infinite numbers of do overs for your teen girls. Must remember this.
3. The most powerful teaching moments are the ones where you screw up. Lord knows I have plenty of these!
4. Do you light up when your kids are coming in the room or do you become the instant critic? Cringe!
5. If we own the story then we can write the ending.
6. Every time you watch Jersey Shore, a book commits suicide. Hilarious! Right?
7. You need at least one friend who will help you move a body. No judgement. There in a second. No explanation. Is it bad that I have more than one of this type of friend?
8. Midlife: When the Universe grabs your shoulders and tells you "I'm not f-ing around, use the gifts you were given."
9. We have to be the women we want our daughters to be. Beautiful.
10.Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love. Must do this!
11. It's no longer a question of can I do it. It's a question of: Do I want to do it? I have a feeling this doesn't apply to laundry.
12.There's nothing more daring than showing up, putting ourselves out there and letting ourselves be seen. Reminds me of my drama/music students and athletes.
13. In our moments of most intense joy, we realize how vulnerable we are.
14. What would you be glad that you did...EVEN if you failed? Loved someone! Sorry I'll let you decide.
15. We cannot give our children what we don't have. So true right?
16. Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.
17.Talk about your failures without apologizing. or making excuses.
18. It's not about "what can I accomplish?" but "what do I want to accomplish?" Paradigm shift. A good one for Mommies, especially this one!
19.Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.
20. You can't dress rehearse the bad moments.
and my favorite....
21. Want to be happy? Stop trying to be perfect.

So which is your favorite? Why? Aren't these great? I can read these over and over. Really trying to put some of them into action. So what's the best advice you've been given lately?

This pic really doesn't have much to do with the post. I just love my kids faces in it and the light and colors.

P.S. I'm aware that I sound a lot like Bree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) today. Will try to work on that. Or not....