We all have our Superwoman cape wearing moments. Those times when we believe there is nothing we cannot do or overcome. We are determined that no matter the situation or obstacles we face, we are going to put on our cape and get through.
There are times in our lives when this is necessary, yet there are far too many times when it is not. Times when we need to take a step back, adjust our perspective, and learn to accept our limits.
One of the necessary cape wearing times for me was when my twins were born.
Yes, they were cute, but they were also A LOT of work. When the twins were born, our oldest was only 28 months old. We have never lived close to family, so other than occasional visits, we were on our own. And when I say we, I really mean me most of the time. Eric traveled a lot for work at that time, so it was not unusual for him to be gone 3 to 4 days a week.
Trying to corral an energetic toddler and take care of two newborns was definitely more than a challenge. Yet, with a whole lot of prayer and many tears, I knew it was just for a season. Eventually, the twins would stop eating every 3 hours and I would get more than 2 hours of sleep at a time.
However, for most of us, those times when the cape is necessary are few and far in between. In reality, we have allowed ourselves to look at wearing the cape like a badge of honor. We look at trying to do everything and be everything to everyone as something to be proud of. The truth is we need someone to tell us, “Superwoman, take off your cape!” and we need to learn to accept our own limits.
Learning to Accept Your Limits
We all have limits. There is only so much we can do and only so much we can see. Trusting only in our own abilities and only what we can see will leave us worn out and lost. Knowing your limits does not limit you, it frees you. It frees you from the stress and pressure of trying to do and be it all. While also experiencing the freedom to put all your faith and trust in God.
Although we may have limits, we serve a limitless God. A God that will direct our paths. A God who can and will supply you with all your needs. He gives you the strength and wisdom to put your cape on when needed and to overcome whatever has been placed in front of you.
Yet, He also gives you the wisdom and discernment to know when you have reached your limit. It is all about your perspective. When we learn to take our eyes off of ourselves, our circumstances and onto our limitless God, the possibilities are limitless.
I’d love to hear about your last ‘Superwoman, Take Off Your Cape!’ moment in the comments!
I so needed this tonight!!
😉
Love this…I agree that the Superwoman or Supermom cape has to go!!
Learning to work within our limits is HARD! I think we all want to be a superwoman, right? I recently had to quit my full-time job just to save my sanity and it was hard for me to admit that I had to let something go – but I did. I totally did. And I already feel so much more in tact and capable as a parent because of it!
This is a beautifully written post, Ayanna! I can only imagine what it’s like to care for newborn twins. My hat goes off to you! When I had my 4th baby last year, it was challenging for me to adjust to having 4 children. We, too, were very far away from family. My husband also just started a new job, so he couldn’t take time off. I struggled so much! You are absolutely right that sometimes we have to take our “superwoman” capes off. My experience with having a 4th child has definitely taught me to lean on God more and to also know my limits, just as you wrote.
I love this post so much! I recently hung up my cape and am instead focusing on my sanity and being the best that I can realistically be!
This was a beautiful post. Sometimes we feel we can do it all and all we do is stress. I needed to read this. Thanks for sharing.
Knowing our limitations is so important. Cutting ourselves some slack is equally important. Thank God we never have to navigate this world alone. Beautiful kids!
I’m at a trying time in my life right now, and the cape is o-f-f. I’m depending on God to take over reigns.
I think as women, we often tend to take on way more than we need to and we definitely need reminders to take out capes off.
I take off my cape just about every other day. I get tired and I’m good for nothing. I don’t mind saying no not one bit ,lol!
It is very crucial and humbling to know our limits and embrace them.
Thank you for sharing such an insightful post.
I am getting better and better at taking off my cape. I am all about setting limits and boundaries.
Really enjoyed this blogpost.
God bless you sister
Baby #2 will be here right around the time that #1 turns 2. We moved to be closer to family after college, but it still can take an hour to get to my moms place, longer depending on traffic. I used to feel guilty for taking off my cape, but not so much anymore. There are be nights that I go to sleep early without tidying up, days where I give my son a snack instead of a full meal during lunch, and times where I let my son watch cartoons on Netflix until the notification appears and asks if we are still watching.
Although I found some local moms to connect with, it can still be difficult since my husband works longer hours now and my nearest relative is an hour away (my inlaws are 2 hours away). So I’ve been consistent with taking my cape off on a weekly basis so that I can ensure that I take better care of myself by getting proper rest.
I am not a mother yet, but being a wife and working woman can be overwhelming at times. Thanks for this post, it is a great reminder that it is ok to remove the Sperwoman cape sometimes.
Thanks for sharing your story! It’s great to know that even when we are weak we can fall back on God.
Oh my goodness 🙂 I can imagine how much work it must entail being a mother of twins. You are superwoman, but l can definitely understand going cape free every so often 🙂
Great post! I frequently have to remind myself that it’s impossible for me to be perfect. Thanks!
Thanks, Samantha! You’re not the only one, we all need to take a step back from some of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.
Much needed post!!! You better preach at the end ????
Yes to all of this! We have limits but our God doesn’t! Great encouragement for this tired mama on Friday morning! And your kiddo’s are gorgeous! <3
Great post! It’s so important to take that cape off from time to time.
Thanks, Melissa! I think we all need that reminder from time to time
Wow what a great post. Exactly what I needed to read.
Thanks, Dee! I think we all need a reminder to ‘remove the cape’ from time to time.