A part of me wants a fun, carefree life
A part of me says, not possible anymore
A part of me says it’s because of the kids
A part of me says there were excuses before
A part of me wants my body of so many years ago
A part of me says it’s possible no more
A part of me says I didn’t like it anyway
A part of me says, time to start loving it evermore
A part of me wants a successful career
A part of me says it matters no more
A part of me says it’s just my livelihood
A part of me says, I’ll soon miss the toys on the floor
A part of me wants to follow my dreams
A part of me says, I remember no more
A part of me wants to throw everything up in the air
A part of me says it’s all an inner war
What inner conflicts do you face as a mother?
This is an original post to World Moms Blog by Ecoziva of Brazil. Photo credit: Ian Burt. This picture has a creative commons attribution license.
I think most of us feel just like you … we fight with ourselves more than anyone else … and we’re also *harder* on ourselves than we are on anyone else! If I was able to talk to my younger self, the following are the things I wish I’d known sooner:
ALWAYS trust YOUR OWN instincts regarding everything and everyone.
NEVER compare yourself or your children to others – we’re all unique and nobody is better than anyone else.
Do what you feel is the right thing to do and don’t worry about other people’s opinions.
You can NEVER please everyone no matter how hard you try, so don’t bother trying!
It’s NEVER too late to write your book or get your degree or do whatever else you desire.
Our babies are small for such a tiny portion of our lives. As exhausting as it is when your baby cries all night, before you know it their problems can no longer be solved by a cuddle or a breastfeed! Cherish these moments!! My “baby boy” just got married and my “baby girl” is 20 years old. I miss those cuddles!!
NOTHING is more important than giving your children your undivided attention when they are small, because (if you do) you will be rewarded with teens and young adults who actually WANT TO talk to you about everything!
Spend money on experiences instead of “things”. When you get older remembering a family excursion will bring you more joy than even the most beautiful piece of jewellery. Besides, the more “stuff” you have, the more afraid you are that someone will steal it from you. What you have learnt and experienced is forever part of you and can never be stolen.
Try to live each day as fully as possible without rehashing the past or worrying about the future. The past can’t be changed and the future is unknowable. We only have power over our present circumstances and we can only change OUR OWN attitude and behaviour.
A beautiful expression of what so many moms feel! However, we are fortunate in this age – you CAN have something of both worlds. It can be “AND” and not “OR”. 🙂 Just smile, work it out and forge your own path.
I do believe most of us are facing the same challenges. It’s not that easy being a mum and a woman. We must trust our inner voice and try not that much to have it all perfect at all times.