Becoming a Mom
When I became a mom 14 years ago, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Who knew it was going to be a lifelong journey of figuring it out every step of the way. I remember feeling unsure, excited and tired all at the same time.
The other day, a fellow mom and I were exchanging stories of our own personal journeys with motherhood. We shared how we’ve had ups and downs and it has been tough navigating some of the challenges. One thing is clear to me, we are not alone on this journey. We share a common desire to make sure our kids are well taken care of and that they know they are loved.
This got me thinking, based on what I know now, what would I tell my younger self as I embarked on the journey of motherhood? I came up with these 7 lessons:
7 Lessons I’d Share with My Younger Mom Self
- Find your COMMUNITY, share experiences, ask questions. I was lucky to have three of my closest friends, who were going through pregnancy at the same time. We created our own little mom group and shared things we were learning, how we were feeling, and the latest gadget that we found to help us with mommyhood. At work I picked a Mentor Mom, a mom that had navigated pregnancy, maternity leave, and return to work processes. It was great to have this community to plug into.
- TRUST that you’ll know how to care for this little human in the best possible way for the two of you. There is no playbook to parenthood, you were entrusted with this beautiful being for a reason.
- COMMUNICATE with your partner often about what kind of parents you want to be, what lessons you want to pass on (or not), and support each other along the way.
- Practice PATIENCE with yourself and your baby – this is new territory for both of you. I’m still working on it, remember how I said it was a lifelong journey? That is what brings me to lesson number five.
- Be open to LEARN and GROW with your baby, it will be a beautiful gift in so many ways. Your child will hold up a mirror to you and help you learn about yourself in ways you never imagined.
- When you feel like you could use a helping hand, ASK FOR HELP and be open to RECEIVE it. This can come in so many different forms, you know what’s best for your family.
- And lucky number seven, I’d invite you to BREATHE (often!), close your eyes for a few minutes and notice your inhale and exhale. Allow yourself to breathe on purpose. Check out these apps on breathwork.
Ongoing Journey
Motherhood is an ongoing journey. The other day I heard a mom with adult children say, “they will always be your kids! They will always be on your mind in one way or another.” I think that’s true and I believe that the relationship just changes and morphs through the years.
Ask me again in 4-5 years and these lessons may change or I’ll have more to add to them because my oldest is going into high school. Presently, I am still in the process of figuring out the intricacies of being a mom to a teen. For now, I’m going to continue being patient with myself, loving her and myself the best way I know how, and asking for help along the way.
What has motherhood taught you? Please share in the comments.
