Things my mother taught me

Growing up I don’t think that I truly appreciated my mom for everything that she did for me and my siblings. As I care for my young adult children, I reflect back on all the things my mom has done.  As an adult,  I now see that my mom is an amazing person. Here’s some of the valuable life lessons my mother taught me through the years.

1. A mother’s love is unconditional from the very moment her womb is consumed. I remember my mother most of all, always doing for us. It was a never-ending job, so selfless, and all for the betterment of her children and family. My memories of her unconditional love have encouraged me to raise my family the same way.

2. Caring for your family comes first. Mom best taught me that family and the well-being of your children come first, even before your career. It may sound like a “Duh” statement, but so many woman who I know don’t apply this statement, and raising their children takes a back seat to a busy career schedule. I remember the days Mom was home with us. She had the time and the patience to plant the foundation necessary to raise her children. I may not always have her patience, and it’s been a sacrifice, but I’ve made the time to raise my own children and it’s been worth it.

4. Forgiveness. Life wasn’t always easy for Mom growing up, but she has the most forgiving spirit. This is something about my mom that stands the test of time. Something that I reflect back on when it’s my turn to forgive.

5. Love yourself. Each of us are different in our own way. Mom has 3 different children, and has loved and respected us each as individuals. Even though my sister and I are twins, mom taught us to love ourselves for who we are, and made sure that we were individuals.

6. Pursue your dreams. Even when the odds seemed against us in life, Mom was always there to encourage us. I never felt like I couldn’t accomplish what I set out to accomplish. Failure was blind in our eyes thanks to Mom.

So this mother’s day and every day, I want to say “thank you” mom. I am who I am today because of your never-ending love. Happy Mother’s Day!

Advertisement

Celebrating Motherhood

Ahhhh motherhood! It’s a lifelong career. A job that is loved, but one that steals your heart, your soul, your very being. Don’t get me wrong, it can be so rewarding, but you go into this thing they call “motherhood” blind as a bat!

I must admit, pregnancy for me was actually fun, but as I got closer to my due date I began to realize that I no longer would be able to freely do the things I wanted to do. Honestly, I hated that. I was trading my precious time for an infant.. imagine that? Well, I quickly learned that this attitude was not suited for “motherhood”. I was miserable the first few weeks of being a mother. Every time I went to do something, my child demanded my time. Mama never said it would be like this!!

No wonder there’s such a thing as “postpartum”. I finally accepted that my time was no longer mine, and it would be that way for a very, very long time. Once my revelation kicked in, life changed. I actually began to enjoy motherhood.

How amazing the bond we share with one individual even before birth, an how that bond continues throughout life. Researchers at Bar-Ilan University in Israel found that visible affection from their mothers had tangible physiological effects on three month old infants. Simply by looking and smiling at each other, moms and babies synchronize their heartbeats to within milliseconds of each other.

Motherhood is so evolving. At first your needed for the very survival of your child, and as they grow you learn to relinquish control, which is detrimental to their survival without you.

Each year we celebrate mothers and their dedication to their children and families. I celebrate Mother’s Day because being a mother is such an integral part of who God wanted me to be. Here is what I’ve learned.

1. Motherhood forces you to be completely selfless. God wanted me to understand that life is not about “me”

2. Motherhood teaches patience, and humility.

3. Motherhood teaches you to love unconditionally.

4. Motherhood teaches you to take one day at a time. Today is not forever, another day looms over the horizon bringing challenges and another opportunity to love.

5. Children are on borrowed time. God has lent them to us for just a short while. They are His. I must do the best I can before they leave the nest.

Happy Mother’s Day!