Reflections on motherhood

 With Mother's Day just around the corner, I have been reflecting on the support and inspiration my mother has shown me over the past 31 years, as well as my own journey thus far through motherhood.

It is fascinating to me how life's events have the ability to greatly shift our perspectives and preconceived notions of the way things are.  Motherhood is definitely one of those life altering roles, and it is through becoming a mother myself that I have developed a much deeper appreciation for my own amazing mom, and for mothers in general.  Mom, I can't thank you enough for the incredible love, encouragement, and grace you bestow upon Scott and I!

Then:  Harrison (6 days old) & Mom

Now:  Harrison (19 months), Mom & Baby Girl 

I am frequently in awe of how much our little boy is teaching me, and I am so grateful for the time provided to us.  Beautiful lessons such as truly absorbing the moment unfold in such simple and exquisite events on a daily basis.  From seeing a snail slowly glide across the grass to hearing wind rustle through the trees, one of the greatest aspects of being a mom is the opportunity to re-experience life through the young eyes and hearts of our children.

My journey as a mother continues to be blissfully rewarding, challenging and humbling...one that evolves on a daily, if not hourly basis.  Perhaps one of the most significant lessons in life I am learning through my child is that of letting go and realizing that we have relatively little control over many aspects of life.  Life on life's terms as some say... and though these aren't necessarily our terms, I am finding that most things have an interesting way of working out rather well if we can allow ourselves to let go of our expectations and desire of control.  From Harrison's birth experience to his sleeping habits, there are some aspects of this adventure I would have chosen differently in a perfect world, and yet it is through these challenging moments that we get the opportunity to truly expand and grow.  I am no zen master, and though I struggle with this concept daily, I find it helpful through the moments of frustration inevitable in motherhood, to take a deep breath, give it my all and relinquish control to the greater forces at work.

We embark on this journey as mothers through a leap of faith, and with the support and wisdom of our partners, extended family and community, we can hope to cultivate kind, responsible and grateful human beings who will strive to leave the world in a better place than when they arrived.