Bunmi Laditan took to Facebook to share her thoughts on motherhood recently, and the five words she used to describe it has everyone talking.
"Nothing’s wrong, it’s just hard," she writes, before describing her morning, which starts off with her kids bickering before dawn.
The five words that every mum no doubt says at least once a day.
There is nothing wrong - the kids are happy, healthy and fulfilled - but it's hard. It's really really hard.
It's hard trying to get everything done, to keep the house in order, to ensure that the kids are getting healthy food and that you are there for each and everyone one of them.
And Bunmi's recent post hits all of this on the head.
"My youngest, his cute chubby face hidden by a raggedy stuffed bear, shakes his head furiously at the breakfast in front of him. I know he’s hungry," she continues.
"I sigh and turn to face the stack of soiled dishes I would have done last night had I not overdrawn on my energy reserves. Nothing’s wrong, it’s just hard.
"My oldest two tear apart the laundry pile hunting for socks. Despite this being a daily occurrence, I have failed to organize myself and my home. Maybe today? Doubtful. I hurriedly pack lunches healthier than I ate as a child but somehow still not good enough by today’s standards. Is string cheese a protein? Nothing’s wrong, it’s just hard."
Because nothing is wrong. It is just hard.
Her story continues as she drops the kids to school, hopping into the car in her pyjamas because, well, who has time to be getting dressed when you've got to get the kids to school on time.
"If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late. Someone can’t find a shoe. My youngest can’t tear himself away from his shows. He’s eating now, too. Of course he is. Put it in a Ziplock bag.
"My oldest is lost in worries over a test I wish I’d helped her prepare more for. My middle is lost in the angst of being the middle. Note to self: give her more attention (the positive kind). My keys no longer exist in this dimension. Nothing’s wrong, it’s just hard."
Finishing off her post, the mum admits that we do get to where we need to go, and while it can be tough the rewards make up for all the hard times. All of them.
"Motherhood and life, two dishes messy enough on their own but when combined form a savoury, chunky stew: thick, and bubbling with potatoes, carrots, herbs, and chunks of tender meat in seasoned gravy. To be eaten at room temperature. With someone in your lap begging for bites, neck outstretched like the sweetest of baby birds."
Bunmi's post has resonated with a lot of her followers, and fellow mums took to Facebook to thank her for being so honest and open.
Many even shared their own stories of motherhood:
"Hugs! This is beautiful. Thanks for the perspective check. Nothing’s wrong. It’s just hard. Thank God I set the automatic coffee pot last night, because when I stumbled out to the couch with my fuzzy blanket for a couple minutes of quiet and sanity, this is what actually happened! And the baby’s already loaded his diaper. But nothing’s wrong!" wrote one.
Another shared: "String cheese IS a protein. And it has a calcium, too! Bunmi, this is worded so beautifully and perfectly."
