Cover Photo: An image of load of bread as someone cuts the bread with cherries in a bowl in the top corner
Photograph by Grace O'Driscoll/Unsplash

How Affirmations Ground Me in Baking and Parenting

My affirmations teach me the things I still need to learn.

I am loved and seen. I am doing my best. Every day is a new day.There are many ways to be a good mom.

pacifier, milk, nightlight, music, pacifier, milk, nightlight, music, pacifier, milk . . .

You don’t know your own baby?

did

What am I doing wrong?

What is it you need?

I can do thisI am strong enough to do this.

I will be patient.I will show her grace. I will be understanding and kind. I will listen for what she needs.

We are doing our best

We are ok.

Stefanie Norlin is a writer based near Detroit, Michigan. Her work has appeared in Under the Gum Tree, Brevity, Kenyon Review Online and more. She’s also received the Tompkins Award in both 2013 and 2016 for her creative nonfiction. You can learn more about her writing at stefanienorlin.com or find her on twitter at @stefanienorlin.