Becoming a mom was life-changing. You always hear women say this but you don’t truly understand until you’ve personally experienced the unconditional love that pours out of you the moment you see your child for the very first time. It’s instant, it’s sensational. You don’t realize you had this depth to you. My son Roman turns 5 and what a crazy, fun-filled, enlightening 5 years it’s been. I put together the Top 5 Lessons I’ve Learned From Being A Mom:
1) Learn To Slow Down
I lived a fast-paced lifestyle before I got pregnant. I was always in a hurry, rushing from one thing to the next, trying to fit it all in and not miss out on anything. And then you have kids! Children force you to slow down. You start accepting things will take longer. You can’t control the speed at which they move. Every single thing children do requires patience, including teaching them to walk, breastfeeding, even labor.
2) We Are So Resilient
Sometimes we don’t even realize of what we’re capable until we’re in a situation that forces us to step up and do the work. I’ve shared before about Roman’s speech disability and going to speech therapy to support his growth. As much as it was learning and practice for him, it was equally important for Barton and me to learn how to communicate better with Roman and support his development. We all realized we are way more resilient than we thought! Especially Roman who has done such an amazing job mindfully speaking and articulating his thoughts verbally. As a mom, it makes me so incredibly proud to watch him grow and develop. Since we’ve graduated from speech therapy, we are extra mindful to constantly reinforce certain techniques. Yet another way that I’ve learned to slow down and take things as they come.
3) Be An Advocate For Change
When you have a newborn, you are your child’s voice, protector, advocate. I quickly realized the magnitude of my role as Roman’s mom. It was such an empowering moment! I started using my voice both to help guide him as well as create political and social change to shape his future. I started seeing the world larger than just my inner social circle. I recognized the importance of connecting with people beyond our little community. In fact, no matter location, race, religion, or age, I started feeling a deep kinship to all mothers. We are all advocates for our kids. It’s what binds us together! I just love that.
4) Seek Self-Improvement Daily
I’m always trying to be the best version of myself and evolve as a parent because I am my children’s examples. They walk like us, talk like us, speak like us. They’re literally sponges, soaking up everything we do and say. I had a moment awhile back when Isabella, my little 2-year-old, said, “Shit!” She kept repeating it. I couldn’t believe it! I tried to pretend what she was saying wasn’t a bad word in hopes she wouldn’t continue using the word. Bart doesn’t swear, so she most likely picked it up from me. She wasn’t saying something that terrible, but it reminded me to be more mindful and keep working on bettering myself because the kids really are always watching!
5) Have More Fun!
I’ve learned to celebrate every single day. Every day is a miracle, every day is a chance to connect more deeply with my kids. I savor the moments we laugh and giggle and play. I try my best to stoke excitement no matter how mundane something may seem, like a simple walk outside. Or after nap time, I’ll say we’re having a party just to put a bigger smile on Roman’s and Isabella’s faces. Using that special word makes the experience that much more fun.
What are your top 5? Comment below!