I think being a mom is the hardest job. It’s also one of the most rewarding and wonderful. But let’s face it: it ain’t a bed of roses. So often Mother’s Day focuses on the corny, the clique and the cheesy, making being a mom look like an easy, always joyful experience. A Norman Rockwell-esque image springs to mind: perfectly mischievous children, well-coiffed, bringing gifts to maternal looking mothers who tend hearth and home.

I don’t know about for you, but that’s about as far from my real mom experience as possible.

I started thinking about real moms – the women I know whose mothering inspires me. I admire my real mom friends for keeping it real, for loving their kids without sheltering or coddling them, and for making everyone laugh and giggle along the way.

My real mom friend Jen tells it like it is. She is raising two very cool, well-balanced kids. She and her kids talk about everything from sex to politics to the weather without skipping a beat.

Real mom Betsy has the Chinese symbols for grace and patience tattooed on her wrists. She told me she chose her wrists so that she can be reminded of those words and virtues when she feels like strangling her children.

My real mom friend Katie’s own mother died when she was 10 years-old. Katie reminds me to be grateful for what I have, to cherish each day and to take it all in – the good, the bad and the ugly.

And then there are the words of wisdom from my dear Empoword co-CEO and real mom, Stephanie. Her parenting mantra: “There is nothing I do that a really good therapist can’t undo.” On those really challenging days (you know what I am talking about), I repeat this often.

Thank you to my dear friends for keeping it real for me, for being real mom role models, for providing real perspective. You inspire me. You make me a better – more real – mom. And to all of you moms out there, have a wonderful Mother’s Day, even if it doesn’t look like a Norman Rockwell painting.

Got real mom stories or advice? Please share it with us!

- Wendy Lutter
Empoword co-founder and co-CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer)