Imagine a job requiring a vast skill set. The job description includes a constant growing list of responsibilities to be completed while holding 15-20 pounds in your arms. You are expected to be on-call 24/7 with sleepless nights, no sick leave, no nights off and a demanding boss that requires your immediate attention - all the time. Multi-tasking is crucial. The 168 hour work weeks are demanding, mentally and physically draining. The best part? You don't get paid for any of it.

This job is motherhood, and it is the most demanding, yet fulfilling job in the world.

"I'm just a mom" is the one sentence you should never say

Being a mother is the hardest, but most rewarding job out there. Remember, your role as a mother may mean nothing to many people, but it means everything to your children. Take pride in the love you have for your children and the fact that you are a mom.

You are your children's inspiration

You touch many lives, including generations of grandchildren from the second you hold your child for the first time, to the day you send them to college and beyond. You become your child's inspiration as they strive for success.

Kourtney Leibman always knew her mother loved her unconditionally, and looked up to her as her hero. Leibman's mother was diagnosed with cancer, and after that devastating diagnosis, she did everything in her power to overcome it and be there for her family. Two years later, the cancer returned. It was then that Leibman realized her mother was so much more than "just" her mom. She admired her mother's tenacity and her love for her family and friends.

"My mom was the strongest, bravest person I've ever encountered, and I can say with certainty that no one will ever inspire me the way she did," Leibman said.

You glue the family together (even when it's messy)

Mothers are the glue that holds a family together. They mold and shape their children and leave lasting impacts on all they come in contact with.

Motherhood's rewards are accompanied by the most difficult tasks many women will ever experience. Most jobs don't require you to be slapped, vomited on or expect you to change dirty diapers, but that is motherhood at it's best. Not just anyone can give the strength and love the job of a mother requires. You make a difference in the world one diaper at a time.

Never be demoted to "just" a mom

Whether you're a working mother or stay-at-home mom, don't allow society to diminish your confidence. As a mother, you are raising the future. The children you cook for, teach, listen to, clean up after, laugh with and enjoy are the next generation of the world.

Give yourself some credit

You have taken on an extremely difficult responsibility. Remember, you have an irreplaceable worth and raising children is so worthwhile. You are not failing and your time is being well spent. If you are doing your best, it is enough.

Being the perfect mother is impossible, but there are a million ways to be a great one.

Thank your mom

When you begin raising your own family, you realize all of the unseen things your mother did for you. You appreciate her more, her philosophies seem less crazy and you begin to understand her constant hovering. Thank her, and tell her she is more than "just" a mom. She was and will always be the listening ear, comforter, peacemaker, counselor, role model and your forever friend.

To my own mother, thank you!