Being a Mom has changed me, in fact it honestly continues to change me every day. Before I had kids, I was very confident in the fact that I knew almost everything, but, boy was I wrong. I am not sure that anything can adequately prepare you for motherhood.
Perspective: Being a Mom has forever changed my perspective on life. I no longer believe that things are just black and white. In fact, the gray areas far surpass any other. Through the eyes of my children, I have seen things in ways that I don’t think I ever would have otherwise. Because they are still so young, and tend to see the world without cynicism and fear. And, because of them I try my hardest to be less judgmental and dogmatic.
Patience: I am not sure you can successfully parent without some kind of patience. Yet, I fear this will be a lesson I will continue to learn for my whole life. There is no way that you can hear your name called over and over again, in various octaves and within 3 minutes, without having to exercise patience.
Understanding: I think the older we get, the less sympathetic we become. We start to become easily annoyed with things that we feel require simple common sense and effort. But, after becoming the parent of little people, I find myself being a little more compassionate towards other people’s plights.
Forgiveness: Crayons on Walls, Vaseline all over faces… General messes… and the older they get hurt feelings… Motherhood is a daily exercise in forgiveness. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. You clean up a room, only to have it destroyed moments later, by the cutest little thing you have ever seen. Or you drive your teenager all over town, only to have him throw a hissy fit, because you won’t get back in the car to take him somewhere else.
Love: I know it sounds cliche, but children do teach you the true meaning of unconditional love. You love your spouse, or your significant other, but… you have very real and very definable expectations where they are concerned. Not that you do not have expectations of your children, but when they fall short you are the one who has to be there to pick them up, dust them off, and give them that needed push to get back on the horse.
I would be remiss if I did not say that being a Mom, is one of the hardest jobs that I have ever had. It is challenging, it is rewarding, and sometimes it is a thankless job. There are days when I feel unappreciated and burnt out. But, the ups far outweigh the downs, and for that I am forever grateful. God entrusted me with these little souls to love, to cherish and to mold, and even when it’s not easy, I intend to do just that.
How has being a Mom changed you?