How do I Compete with That?

She is everything I want as a “step mother” for my children. Kind and treats them as her own.

She is younger than me, bright-eyed and full of energy. How do I compete with that?

She’s a massage therapist and practices meditation, self-care, and has a positive energy about her that draws you in, including my children. I have a 9–5, survive on massive amounts of coffee, and have bags under my eyes. How do I compete with that?

She colors and plays with my kids. I do the dishes, the groceries, and am shuttle mom to their activities. I am not fun. How do I compete with that?

She is so open in who she is. I am the discarded older woman who is neurodivergent and struggles on the daily to continue to connect with my family. How do I compete with that?

I am their mom and always will be. I am who I am and will continue to love them unconditionally. But I still wonder….how do I compete with that?