The roles that helped prepare me for motherhood
My first introduction to a version of motherhood has been being the oldest sibling of 3 and becoming a stepmom. While neither is the same as being a mom, both experiences taught me unconditional commitment to loving someone and helping shape them into who they are. The difference is that with those roles, I had days off and I just played a simple part - I was not the full-time main character in the story. Now as a mom myself, I realize there are NO days off. But I am so appreciative to the preparation that I received in those other roles as they helped shape the mom I am today.
What being a mom means to me
Being a mom has been my greatest journey and title. As a mom, our role is to love our children, guide them and shape their character. I use to fear "losing myself" in motherhood but in the beautiful chaos of re-discovering myself as a mom I have found I actually know myself better than ever. I am more fulfilled, full of resilience, purpose and love.
The hardest parts about being a mom
There are so many challenges of motherhood. Aside from the things you think of including no sleep, constant worrying, endless diaper changes, spit up fiascos the hardest part to me is the never-ending thoughts that every single moment matters in shaping your child. I reflect so much on my childhood as I have become a mom. I think about all the little things that really impacted how I see the world, treat others and sought out to accomplish. The responsibility that you are raising the future of the world can be daunting yet exhilarating. I always remind myself of this quote - your greatest accomplishment may not be something you do but someone you raise.
More than a mom
The title "More than a mom" came from Lebron James's More than an athlete. Every since his story I have really reflected on identity and the boxes, titles that society puts us in. Being a mom is one of the greatest and fullest roles you can have in this life. However, we often put boxes on motherhood - how moms should act, think, what they should wear. We are all unique. Yes we are bounded by the greatest job on earth but we each execute it, enjoy it and are challenged by it in different ways. Some of us choose to pause our careers for motherhood, others choose to keep them. Some moms slowly change their friend circle, desires and wants after children, others want to keep the same fulfillments they enjoyed prior to kids. We also have entire lives, identities and thoughts outside of motherhood. We are multifaceted. We are not just one thing.
A truth about moms is often overlooked, beneath the day in and day out of nurturing and selfless acts of love we have a unique identity. We are more than our maternal duties. We are complex, full of desires, and our own unique identities. As I re-discover myself in motherhood and all the many things I am and want out of this beautiful life, I hope to inspire other women to do the same.
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