I’ve never been much of a baby person. When there’s a new baby in the room I’m the one in the corner, not the one with my arms out and a big smile on my face begging to hold the bundle of joy. Deciding not to have any kids of my own likely had to do in part with the fact that infants don’t make me all gushy.
In the past two month, three family members have had children. In the last year, two friends have. Suddenly I find myself feeling a little bit of a baby pull. WTH? I’m 46 years old. I got fixed several years ago and NOW my baby clock decides to tick?
I’ve always liked children. They love me. Still, I never had much of a pull to have my own. It makes me wonder, does this come mostly from the dormant thought that I “should” have kids? That it’s somehow my “duty”?
I think motherhood is a role that needs to be treated with honor and respect. Good moms don’t get nearly the credit they deserve. I often feel that becuase I’ve chosen to be childless and because I encourage women to put themselves first, ESPECIALLLY if they’re a mother, that people think I don’t appreciate motherhood. That is certainly not the case!
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh
One of the reasons I, and many others choose not to have kids is becuase they are so cute when they are giggling or making faces or smiling at you for the first time. But then there’s the other side…..
Being a mom is damn hard! That’s why I want all you mom’s out there to take care of yourself. Not becasue I don’t think that having kids is important, but because it is so important! Just taking care of myself gets exhausting. Taking care of a young life is not only exhausting but critical!
I bow to you moms. In my hectic childless world, I can’t begin to imagine how crazy your life is. So please, please, please take the time to look after you so you can better look after your sweet child whether s/he be 20 hours old or 20 years old.
- Take at least 10 minutes a day to do something quiet for yourself. Read, take a bath, meditate, go for a walk. Choose the quiet activit that recharges your battery.
- Do something at least once a week outside the house and without children. I understand this is challenging especially when you have little ones. There are solutions out there. Find a way! I’m sure there are other childless people out there like me that would love to have a few hours to play and nurture. 🙂
- Remember your goals and dreams. Often motherhood leads to putting our dreams for our children first. You can’t nurture the dreams of others if you have forgotten your own.
- Take a moment to recognize all you do. Alot of what moms do goes unnoticed so notice it for yourself and give yourself a pat on the back. This is even more critical if you have teenagers.
- Look yourself in the eye every day and tell yourself what a great job you’re doing. Even, or rather especially, when you think you’re not doing so great, know that you are doing your best in every moment and that’s all anyone can ask of you – that’s all you can ask of you. Acknowledge your commitment, your growth and your power.
Motherhood is priced of God, a price no man may dare to less or misunderstand. ~Helen Fiske Hunt Jackson
Moms, you are incredible! I hope you see this message more than anyone else – YOU ARE AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL JUST AS YOU ARE; NO CHANGES REQUIRED! Give yourself a break now and then. You ROCK! Moms, you are the ultimate Bad Kitty in my book.
Beautiful Authentic Divine Kompletely Indivdual Totally True YOU.
Own it.
I admire you. Admire yourself.
Love, Christie