Judging (and mentally punishing) oneself

I always read through MSNBC while I eat my lunch and today I came across a link, link, link about "No Judgement Day". Basically it is a day set aside by Redbook magazine encouraging mothers to quit judging other mothers. One part of the article really stuck with me; it was about judging ourselves based upon how "others" think we should parent. Great day for me to read this!

Tel had an assembly today: received an award for the Reflections contest (theme: Diversity) and probably a reading award but I had to miss it because I had to get back to work. It is times like this that I wonder why I went full time....of course the insurance is better, I had to finish my Masters degree and being full time would help with loan forgiveness, and I had always said "it was the plan" but what about my baby? I'm not having anymore kids and Tel isn't getting younger; the events I miss now can never be replaced.

To make matters worse, my camera was jacked and the only pictures I got of him getting the only award I could watch were either back of the head shots or blurred beyond belief.

So, in order to remember this day: GREAT JOB TEL!! I am so proud of your writing and reading abilities. May you always remember that you do not need an award to remind you of your worth. You are an amazing, inquisitive boy and I am proud to call you my son. Keep up the good work!! I hope to never miss another ceremony but you know that isn't a guarantee. I hope that I am instilling a good work ethic in you when I do have to miss.