8 Things I’ve Learned About Myself Since Becoming a Mother
Happy Mother’s Day to all you Momma’s out there! Some of you have been doing this Momma thing for years, while some of you are brand new like me. Some of you reading this might even be expecting a little one soon. And most importantly, to those Momma’s that have had the terrible experience of losing a child, I hope you all have a fabulous Mother’s Day, because you deserve it.
Being a mother has been the most terrifying yet exciting thing I have ever experienced. I have learned so many things about myself that I never expected to in such a short amount of time. These 3 months have been filled with doubts, fears, and anxiety- but also love, happiness and growth.
Life has changed in so many different ways in such a short amount of time, and out of all the new things I have experienced within the last few months, these are by far the top most important.
1. Time is even more precious than it was before
Managing everything while being a mother is a constant game of juggling all the things that are important to me. Some days I can get everything done that I need to, while other days I’m questioning if I have clean underwear on. My time is now split between everything I had going on before, plus adding a new baby into the mix. Spending time with my son has been a top priority for me, especially with going back to work. I know time with my son is precious, as he is only little for so long. But, it is also important for me to make time for things that make me happy in order for me to be the best mom I can be.
2. I am the most selfless I have ever been
Ever since I can remember, I have been raised to put others before myself. This has been something that has truly guided me into the person I am today. Growing up, the majority of my holidays and birthdays were spent giving back to those less fortunate. Being raised to help others has affected me in so many ways – it even helped me choose my career path of helping people on a daily basis. Becoming a mom is no different. What I want is no longer important because my top priority is making sure my son is safe, healthy and happy.
3. Motherhood truly fuels me every day
Being a mother gives me the ability to keep going no matter how exhausted I am. No matter how many hours of sleep I am able to get, being a mother is the reason I get up everyday and push through.
4. I’ve never been more appreciative of my husband
Taking care of a baby is hard, and I couldn’t imagine doing it by myself. I am so much more appreciative of my husband and his help on the days where I am struggling (and yes those exist- like I said, I’m not supermom, and I do need help some days).
5. I’ve experienced a whole different type of love
I never thought I could love a human so much. I love my family, I love my husband, and I love my dogs. But the amount of love I have for my son is in a completely different realm. This is something I can’t explain, but if you are a Momma, you know what I am talking about.
6. My emotional strength is the strongest it’s ever been
Emotional and mental strength has never been so present in my life until now. I’ve had my fair share of rough patches in my life, but I have never experienced such emotional strength like I have since becoming a mom. This emotional strength involves me being the most vulnerable I have ever been, as well as experiencing feelings much deeper than I ever have. This strength has helped me cope in so many new ways when responding to the emotions that come with being a new mom.
7. I have found ‘myself’ on a much deeper level
Over the past few years I feel like I have found myself more than I ever have before. I thought that I finally had it all together, and I thought I had finally figured out who I was as a person, and all the things that made me, ME. Now, there is a whole different part of me that I have never experienced until becoming a mom. I’m figuring out more of who I am and what I am capable of, as well as all the new things I now want not only myself, but for my son and family as well.
8. Being a mother has made me a better professional
Everything I do now affects my son. I want nothing more than to show him what hard work and dedication can give you. I wake up every day trying to be the best working mom I can be, and I hope to show him that everything he could ever want in life is attainable as long as you work hard. Some days are easier than others, and some days I just want to throw in the towel and be with him forever. But most importantly I want him to understand that it is possible to have everything you want, but sometimes it means making sacrifices – but it will all be worth it in the end.
