I know we’re already a quarter of the way through the year, but I still find myself thinking about what my aspirations are for the year ahead (besides growing a baby), and assessing what is really important to me. One of things I think about often is, Am I being true to who I am, and who I want to be?
Sometimes in this journey of motherhood, changing nappies, and refereeing another fight, it’s easy to get lost and forget who we are – as women and as individuals. Funnily enough, I have learned that when we know who we are and can put our own desires aside for a time, mothering helps us truly find and become our best selves.
Doesn’t every woman want this? To be comfortable with who they are and happy with the choices they make? I love the fact that unlike the teenage years, there is a strong sense of self confidence that comes with womanhood. I realize that ‘finding ourselves’ and being happy with who we are is a process that changes as we change. As we grow. As we learn.
I love being a woman and a mother! Anyone that knows me knows this is true. I love bearing those titles and having this time at home with my babies. (Even if and when it’s crazy – like today when my baby cried all day!)
I know the day will come when I will have what may seem like unlimited time to do whatever it is I choose. My kids will be grown, and nappies will be long gone. When that time comes, I’m pretty sure I won’t look back and think, “’I wish I was doing something else instead of enjoying that time with my kids.”
In saying that, though, I also know how important it is to nurture and take care of ourselves. And that’s the FIND YOU part. Finding the balance between doing things we are passionate about and taking care of our families. I know both of these things are important, fulfilling and life enriching.
I think what I’m trying to say can be summed up in this quote that I love:
“Women do not have to sacrifice personhood if they are mothers. They do not have to sacrifice motherhood in order to be persons. Liberation was meant to expand women’s opportunities, not to limit them. The self-esteem that has been found in new pursuits can also be found in mothering.”
— Elaine Heffner
We can find ourselves and be true to that even while in the ‘thick’ of mothering. It’s true that when we serve we find the most joy. This applies to serving our families, too. There is a time and a season in life for everything.
How grateful I am for my kids and for the things they teach me and the person they help me to be.
Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash
Originally posted on Sepember 17, 2010.
Felicity Aston says
Submitted on 4-20-2010 at 12:46am
Tiffany, you are SO right that it’s a delicate balance for each woman to find for herself. Hopefully as we each realize and understand the importance of the roles we play as Mothers, our priorities will always be that which is most important 🙂 thanks so much for your thoughts
Mindy says
Submitted on 4-13-2010 at 04:33pm
I LOVE being a woman and a mother too! It truly is a challenge to balance the two….I wish I knew the secret to managing it all. I do know that the things we learn from one, absolutely benefit the other! So as long as we are nurturing them both the best we can in our individual circumstances, we are progressing…and being blessed.
Tiffany Sowby says
Submitted on 4-13-2010 at 09:48am
I think it is a very delicate balance that each of us has to find for ourselves.