By Koseli Cummings

Man, being a mom can be so lonely sometimes. Whether you're working or not, sometimes it just feels like a lot of emotion, all the time. Between the baby's ups and downs (First "I love you", teething (brace yourself), nap strikes (heaven help us all), sleep training (what were we thinking), and perfect days at the park (life is good)) and then your own ups and downs (work, personal relationships, keeping up with BIP updates, trying to care of yourself, etc. etc.), it can kind of feel like a wonky roller coaster with no end in sight.  

For me, the antidote to the highs and lows is my friends and sisters. I have a running group text with my sisters where we share ugly selfies, complain about our days, cheer each other on when something big and scary is happening, or share cute pics of our kids and it is my LIFELINE. I love it. It's always there when I need it. They're always there when I need them. Same goes for friends: I have a running group text with my closest friends where I can literally type "Live Oak Park 3 PM" and that's code for My three kids and I will be at the park this afternoon and we'd love for you all to join us if you can! I'll have snacks to share and let's talk about the last episode while our kids play. Thanks and I love you so much and I don't know what I'd do without you. Bye! And then they show up and once again, we all survive a witching hour. 

Realizing I need other moms has been the discovery of a lifetime. It took me almost four years of parenting but once my extroverted dependencies sunk in, I'll never turn back. I know I need adult conversation, shared curiosity, someone who thinks I'm funny, and somebody who's no-drama. Those friends have unknowingly helped me laugh, play, and commiserate myself out of some pretty dark days of anxiety and depression. And these treasured friendships all started with silly group texts.

So tell me. Do you have running texts with your mom friends too? With your family? Who do you turn to on a rough mom day? I love going here and reading sweet posts on Cup of Jo.

And in case you need to hear it today: You're doing a great job and you've got this, Mama.

P.S. And if you're looking for a group of moms talking that basically feels like one giant awesome group text, check out our private Facebook group called Tubby Todd Mamas. There's some serious supportive magic happening 24/7. Love those ladies.