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You don’t become a mother without learning a thing or two. Through all the struggles of teaching our kids, helping them grow and figuring out how to balance our own lives, we can feel like superheroes or like complete failures. But through it all, we learn and grow.
So this Mother’s Day, we’re taking a look at 10 kick-ass lessons on motherhood from 10 kick-ass moms. These women are inspiring us to be our best selves.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Lessons On Motherhood From 10 Kick-Ass Moms
Adele(01 of11)
On how motherhood changes you.“[Motherhood] is hard but it's phenomenal. It's the greatest thing I ever did. He makes me be a dickhead, and he makes me feel young, and there's nothing more grounding than a kid kicking off and refusing to do what you're asking of them. It used to be that my own world revolved around me, but now it has to revolve around him.” (credit:KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx)
Michelle Obama(02 of11)
On setting a good example for your kids.“For me, being a mother made me a better professional, because coming home every night to my girls reminded me what I was working for. And being a professional made me a better mother, because by pursuing my dreams, I was modeling for my girls how to pursue their dreams.” (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Arianna Huffington(03 of11)
On the idea of being a perfect mother.“The fastest way to break the cycle of perfectionism and become a fearless mother is to give up the idea of doing it perfectly – indeed to embrace uncertainty and imperfection.” (credit:Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Beyoncé(04 of11)
On mastering work-life balance.“I have so much admiration for women who are mothers, who balance family and work. I see them and I have this word in my head — respect. I also look to learn. I see these women and I think, ‘Yes, it can be balanced, it can all work out.’” (credit:Mike Coppola via Getty Images)
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau(05 of11)
On remembering you are not alone. “Motherhood has taught me to be more connected to other human beings. All mothers everywhere, we are all responsible for each other. We’re not different, but rather more similar than you think– so if you’re fighting a battle alone, choose not to fight it alone.” (credit:Pool via Getty Images)
Jada Pinkett Smith(06 of11)
On taking care of yourself. “You always have to remember to take care of you first and foremost. Because when you stop taking care of yourself, you get out of balance and you really forget how to take care of others.” (credit:Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP)
J.K. Rowling(07 of11)
On love.“Love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark… to have been loved so deeply... will give us some protection forever.” (credit:Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Sheryl Sandberg(08 of11)
On finding strength through loss.“I have gained a more profound understanding of what it is to be a mother. As heartbroken as I am, I look at my children each day and rejoice that they are alive. I appreciate every smile, every hug.” (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Angelina Jolie(09 of11)
On the joys of motherhood.“I see myself as mom first. I’m so lucky to have that role in life. The world can like me, hate me or fall apart around me and at least I wake up with my kids and I’m happy.” (credit:Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Amy Poehler(10 of11)
On respecting fellow moms. “There is an unspoken pact that women are supposed to follow. I am supposed to act like I constantly feel guilty about being away from my kids. (I don't. I love my job.) Mothers who stay at home are supposed to pretend they are bored and wish they were doing more corporate things. (They don't. They love their job.)” (credit:Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
BONUS: Princess Diana(11 of11)
On the power of hugs.“Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children.” (credit:Tim Graham via Getty Images)