For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mother. Now that I am a mom of two little dudes, I am constantly learning, evolving and stretching in new ways every single day. I have learned some of life’s most valuable lessons during my two years of motherhood. I am highlighting 5 things I’ve learned from motherhood that have molded me to a better version of myself. While my days are absolutely crazy at times, I am the most happy, content, and at peace than during any other season of my life.
While the lessons I highlight below are simple, they are ones I just could not seem to fully master or embrace before motherhood. It is during this season of my life that I have developed the most as a person which in turn helps me be a better mother. It is my hope that these lessons are the beginning of many more to come.
Admittedly, I am an inpatient person. Like the person that is tapping her foot against the floor when waiting longer than a few minutes kind of person. I just don’t like waiting for things. For people. For food. Not even for my beloved Starbucks. Since becoming a mother, nothing in my life is on my time anymore. My kids may or may not go to bed at their scheduled time. They may or may not take their scheduled nap. The inevitable meltdown may or may not end as quickly as I want it too. Having little people has simply taught me to be patient.
Children are watching everything we do. They are learning how we handle things. I have learned through being a mother that I will likely be a few minutes late occassionally. My kids may act up in some public place and impatient people may stare and judge me. I have learned as a mother to ignore the judgy eyes and to just be patient in those moments. Patient with myself. Patient with my babies. And patient with others.
Before becoming a mother, I feel like I overcomplicated the simplest things. Now, I have the great pleasure of seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Their innocence and how they see the world is truly mind-blowing. Children are learning everything for the first time and seeing the beauty in life for what it is. No overcomplicating things. They are just enjoying the moments.
When I see Asher light up just by playing outdoors or Declan smile from ear to ear just from a tickle, I have learned to look at life differently. Instead of always wanting more and wishing for the next thing, I am learning to enjoy what I have. I have learned to appreciate exactly where I am. I have learned to appreciate the simple things in life just from watching the pure joy of my children.
By nature, I am an introvert. Sure- I know how to talk when I need to but I am most comfortable doing my own thing and sticking to myself. As a new SAHM, my days can get pretty isolated. I have found so much joy from having a community of mom friends. Sometimes, I just need to vent or hang out with people in the same season of life. I have learned as a mother that it is okay to lean on others from time to time. In fact, community is a necessary component of maintaining my sanity 🙂
Before becoming a mom, I worried about my future. Now that I am a mother, I worry about my children and their future. From the second I found out I was pregnant, I have worried about something. Is the baby okay in there? Are they breathing? The list goes on! The reality is, mothers never stop worrying. I am sure I will worry even more when they are driving and off to college!
What I have learned however is that no amount of worrying I do is going to change anything. I put my children in God’s hands and I pray fiercefully for them daily. I know that prayer and my faith is the best thing I can do when it comes to their protection. I trust with my whole heart that my father in heaven is covering my children and I have crazy faith in that! It doesn’t mean I don’t still worry but I certainly know how to keep that worry in check way more than I ever did before motherhood.
Man oh man, I can spend money you guys. Without a doubt, I enjoy the finer things in life and before becoming a mom I had no problem dropping money on myself and what I wanted. Since becoming a mom, it is so difficult for me to justify a large purchase for myself. My mind always jumps to what I could do for my kids instead so I rarely spend on myself. Don’t get me wrong, I still have nice things and everything I need. Even some wants here and there. I just no longer can justify reckless spending. Motherhood has completely turned around my way of thinking when it comes to needs versus wants and I always put the needs of my tiny humans above any need of my own.
Motherhood is a gift so beautiful it is sometimes hard to put into words. For every hard moment, you are rewarded ten times over with more joy than your heart can contain. Babies turn you world completely upside down- in a good way! Motherhood has forced me out of my comfort zone in more ways than one and I could not be more grateful.
What has motherhood taught you?
