Recently I have read two completely different accounts on Facebook of basically the same story, and they are having a big impact! It’s the I See YOU Movement, and people don’t even know they’re a part of it. One account was one of those Facebook stories that hasn’t quite gone viral but is well on its way. A lady shares her personal experience in the store. The other was about a week later from a different lady in a Facebook group I’m part of sharing her experience.
First Account
A woman was at Walmart with her child who began acting out and causing a scene. Enough so that the woman had to leave the store. She felt the stares of all the people as she went through the store with her screaming child, and by the time she reached the door she was at the point of tears herself, feeling like the worst mother of the year and hoping she could just dissolve into the crowd and no one would notice her. As she was walking out a woman that was working said “I see you”. The last thing she wanted to hear at that moment.
As she walked out to her car with the screaming child the woman ran after her calling “I see you!” When she caught up to the mother the worker told the mother that she noticed her. She came running out with a bouquet of flowers that she had purchased. It was a sign, a symbol to show this mother that she noticed all the silent effort that she does in the background day in and day out. The mother left that parking lot with tears in her eyes knowing that she matters.
Second Account
The second account was a woman at Aldi’s with her 5 small children. Towards the end of the shopping trip the children were all getting items to put in the cart and the three oldest children were talking excitedly, the 4 year old was attempting to climb up into the cart as if it she was on American Ninja Warrior, and the baby was chomping away her crackers that were a must have to keep her occupied during the shopping trip. The mother was sure they were a sight to see, but it was what it was! She kept noticing this lovely woman looking all put together with one small child looking over at them repeatedly, and she began to feel self conscious.
It wasn’t unusual for them to receive rude comments about having such a large family, and she assumed that’s what the woman was thinking. Then the woman pointed and said “I see you”, and the mother thought she was talking about the child scaling the side of the cart. She smiled and sheepishly and the woman replied “No I see YOU.” Indicating she had seen the mother. She saw the struggle, knew the struggle, knew the feeling of being invisible. You see, this woman had four children of her own, including a set of twins. The mother very nearly began crying in the store. Someone had noticed HER.
And the comments. The comments from both of these posts was an overwhelming feeling from mothers that they could relate or how much they wished someone might say that to them. Comment like “I know exactly how you feel” “reading this story brought me to tears” “I wish someone would see me.”
I See YOU Movement
So, I’m on the move to start the “I See YOU Movement”. To let mothers know that they matter, that they are so important. Who’s with me?! Who wants to reach out a hand and give some support to your fellow mothers when they’re in the trenches? Who wants to be that encouragement that every mother needs, even if she doesn’t realize she needs it? It’s an easy decision really. Make that decision today, the decision to join me in the I See YOU Movement.
How can you join me in this movement? Make a move, use your voice, and tell that mother “I see YOU”. Then, share it with me on social media! I want to see you. I want to hear your heartwarming stories as you impact mothers all around you, or maybe as they make an impact on you. As we build this movement, we will encourage mothers all over the globe. You have a chance to impact someone else’s life. Share and then tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using @bagladyboss and use the hashtag #iseeyou.
It’s time to start building each other up instead of tearing each other down. I can’t wait to hear your stories!
*Are you a busy mom? Make sure to check out my post about grocery shopping made easy!
Wow this was so heartwarming! I know the feeling quite too well! Specially when our children start acting out no matter what we do, and while some others understand some don’t, and will automatically start questioning you, and why the baby is acting out etc, not realizing that instead of helping that just tears us down. Great post! I see you mama!
Awesome!
I’m in!
Woohoo!
This is such a good idea! I first heard of this a couple years ago while listening to the Bobby bones show on the radio. They usually do an “I see you” segment and it always made me hopeful that there were still kind people in the world!!
Thanks for sharing so we too can participate!
Look forward to hearing any stories you have to share!
This is amazing! WOW, what a powerful movement! Thanks for sharing this.
Can’t wait to hear your stories!
I will be a mom someday. I understand what you have written but, may be not completely until, I have had an experience. Hopefully there will be some one to say ‘I see you’.
Girl, I’m sure you already have things going on in your life where you need some encouragement and “I See YOU” moments! It’s not just for mommas but for all women!
I had never heard of this movement before, but after reading your post I’m all in!
Can’t wait to hear your stories!
Voww what a lovely read. I am first time reading about this “I see you ” movement. Women can uplift other women , a mother can uplift other mother.
Absolutely. I think this is so important for us women to do for each other.
Soooo awesome!! I love this idea. I was once dealing with my 2 year old son who was having a tantrum in a parking lot because it was time to leave the park. When a woman approached me, gave me a hug and told me I was doing an awesome job. From then on I have been making sure to let other parents that are dealing with screaming kids that they are doing an awesome job too. I think it goes a long way in spreading the love on a hard day. ❤️❤️
Love your story, and I completely agree. I goes a long way when you take just a few moments to spread the love!
Love read this. Even though I don’t have child yet. Thank you for sharing
I love these idea!!! As mothers we know that in a certain moment we struggle with all the tasks we have, we need support and understanding. Love it!
Yes absolutely! And unfortunately we are often times met with accusations or judgements instead.
This is such a cool movement. As a new mom, I feel like you can lose yourself quickly in it all and maybe not feel appreciate or understood. I hope this can catch on!
Absolutely! Especially as a new mom when you are so focused on your new little one and everything else seems to go out the window!
I didn’t know the existence of this movement but to me, it seems such a great thing. We forget sometimes that mothers are humans too and by consequence, they can be tired, stressed or angry too. Raising kids is not so easy and we forget that sometimes. This is to say that when we see a woman struggling with her children we should remember all the efforts behind it.
Yes. Sometimes it’s easy to judge or say “I’m glad that’s not me” when we see a mother struggling with her children, but instead we should remember that we all have those moments and what that mother needs in that moment is some encouragement!
What a great way to build moms up! Acknowledging moms (and dads) who are doing the best they can just to get through the day can be powerful–especially for stay at home parents who often don’t get acknowledgement from others.
You’re absolutely right for pointing out dads too!
This is so awesome and inspiring!!
Thank you! I am looking forward to hearing peoples’ stories of encouragement to each other!
Beautiful message. Thanks for the reminder!
I’m a huge fan of these sort of experiments. What a great idea!
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