12 Lessons Motherhood Has Taught Me
From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, the challenges of raising a child can often feel overwhelming. However, every challenge has taught me something new and life changing. I want to share 12 valuable lessons motherhood has taught me so far (as I’m sure there will be more along the way). These lessons have helped me navigate the ups and downs of motherhood with more ease and joy, and I hope they can do the same for you.
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#1 Prioritizing Self-Care Is Crucial
Being a mom can be physically and emotionally exhausting. We are constantly giving our time and energy to our children, which can leave us feeling drained and depleted. When we take the time to care for ourselves, we are better able to care for our children. This means setting aside time for activities that bring us joy and taking care of our physical health. When we priortize self-care, we not only benefit ourselves but also set a positive example for our children on the importance of self-love and taking care of our mental and physical health.
Check out 10 SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR BUSY MOMS
#2 Embrace Imperfection
No one is a perfect mom, and that’s okay. We should embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of parenting and find joy in the imperfections. It’s okay if we make mistakes, lose our temper, or struggle to balance it all. By accepting our imperfections, we can let go of the pressure to be the “perfect” mom and focus on being the best mom we can be. We can also teach our children the value of imperfection and show them that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Remember, your love is what matters most to your child.
#3 The Joy of Simplicity
Motherhood helps you appreciate the small, simple moments of life that you might otherwise overlook. It’s about cherishing the small victories and taking pleasure in the little things, like cuddling with our children or watching them play. When you focus on simplicity, you are able to slow down and appreciate the present moment, rather than constantly striving for perfection or trying to do it all.
Check out 50 GRATITUDE JOURNAL PROMPTS FOR MOMS
#4 Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
It’s easy to compare yourself to other moms, but it’s important to remember that every mother’s journey is unique and that we are all doing the best we can. When we constantly compare ourselves to other mothers, we may feel like we are falling short or not doing enough. We may also feel pressure to live up to certain standards or expectations that are not realistic or healthy. Focus on your own journey and celebrate your own successes. Don’t let comparison steal your joy.
#5 Trust Your Instincts
As a mom, you know your child better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. There may be times when you doubt your my decisions or second-guessed yourself, but realize that your intuition is a powerful tool in motherhood.
#6 The Gift of Perspective
Being a mom helps you gain a new perspective on life, through a lens you have never seen before, and helps you prioritize what really matters. With perspective, we can find gratitude in even the toughest moments and truly appreciate the joy and love that comes with being a mother.
#7 Asking for Help Doesn’t Make You Weak
No one can do it all alone and they shouldn’t have to. Motherhood can be overwhelming and exhausting, and we may feel like we are expected to do everything ourselves. Asking for help does not make us weak or incapable, but rather shows strength and a willingness to prioritize our own needs and mental health. By asking for help, we can relieve some of the pressure and stress of motherhood, allowing us to be the best mothers we can be for our children.
#8 It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers
Parenting is a continuous learning process. No one has all the answers, and every child is unique with their own needs and personalities. As moms, we encounter situations where we are unsure how to handle or respond. This can be an opportunity for growth and learning, both for ourselves and for our children. By embracing the uncertainty and being open to learning, we can become more confident and capable mothers, even if we don’t have all the answers.
#9 How to Love Unconditionally
Motherhood teaches you how to love unconditionally and accept your child for who they are, without any expectations or conditions. This type of love is selfless and all-encompassing, and it teaches us that love knows no bounds. Through motherhood, we learn that love is the most powerful force in the world, and it has the ability to transform our lives in the most profound ways.
#10 It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
As a mom, you will make mistakes. It’s inevitable. But remember, it’s how you handle those mistakes that matters most. Use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Forgive yourself and others for mistakes and shortcomings, and make room for growth and progress.
#11 Not Enjoying Every Minute Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mom
It’s okay to not enjoy every minute during motherhood because it is a challenging and demanding role. We may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or frustrated at times, and that’s completely normal. The pressure to enjoy every moment of motherhood can create unrealistic expectations and guilt when we don’t meet them. It’s important to acknowledge that motherhood has its ups and downs, and that it’s okay to not enjoy every moment. We can find comfort in the fact that every mother has struggled and that it’s part of the journey. By giving ourselves permission to feel a range of emotions and accepting that it’s okay to not enjoy every minute, we can better appreciate the moments that do bring us joy and fulfillment. I highly suggest reading the book, Enjoy Every Minute: And Other Ridiculous Things We Say to Moms by Becky Baudouin.
#12 Patience is a Virtue
As moms, we are constantly tested in our ability to be patient. From sleepless nights to tantrums and meltdowns, our children can push our buttons in ways we never thought possible. But through it all, we learn that patience is a virtue and an essential skill for motherhood.
Being a mother is an opportunity to learn and grow, not just for our children but for ourselves as well.
Motherhood is a journey that is full of ups and downs and many valuable lessons. But by prioritizing self-care, embracing imperfection, cherishing every moment, trusting your instincts, and more, you can navigate motherhood with more ease and joy. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect mom, but you’re doing the best you can, and that’s all that matters.
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