Six years ago, I stood on the brink of motherhood, capturing a moment in a photograph that marks the last hours of my life as a woman without children. As I reflect on that image, I realize we often celebrate our children’s birthdays with enthusiasm, despite the chaos that comes with it. Yet, we rarely take a moment to celebrate ourselves. This is why I commemorate my ‘Motherhood Eve.’
The transition into motherhood transforms us in ways we often overlook. That woman in the photo, soon to become a mother, deserves recognition. We must not forget who we were before the arrival of our children. This yearly reflection serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come.
When your first child is born, you undergo a rebirth of sorts. You may resist acknowledging this change, but the person you were the day before motherhood and the mother you become are distinctly different, yet intertwined. Motherhood is not a definition of who we are; it is merely a new chapter in our lives, shaped by the choices we made before our children arrived.
To the woman in the photograph:
I know you are filled with excitement and apprehension. You are about to meet your baby, and while you are eager, you also feel the weight of uncertainty. You’ve been dreaming about this moment for months, vowing never to wear yoga pants or allow clutter in your living space. You’ve promised yourself that your children will never misbehave because you’ll be the perfect mom.
But let me share something with you: Regardless of whether you keep those promises, you will find joy. In just hours, a sound will echo in your life that brings both chaos and sweetness. From that instant, you will evolve into a new version of yourself.
Motherhood will unveil strengths you never knew you possessed. You’ll learn that every decision you make, right or wrong, is part of your journey. You’ll begin to see life through a different lens, appreciating moments like a sunrise or the warmth of a morning coffee. Your relationships will also shift, with some friendships deepening, others fading, and new connections forming.
You will love fiercely, your heart swelling with emotion daily as you tackle countless challenges. Together with your child, you will strive to make the world a better place, embracing the journey you share.
I promise to honor your dreams and pursue them, even if it takes longer than you anticipated or requires adjustments along the way. Today, I toast to both of us—celebrating 32 years of you being a woman before motherhood and six years of me embracing the role of a mother. Thank you for your resilience, your choices, and your aspirations. Together, we will navigate the complexities of life, heads held high. Life may not be easy, but how we choose to live it is a journey only we can define.
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In summary, celebrating ‘Motherhood Eve’ is a powerful reminder of our journey as women and mothers. It acknowledges the transformation we undergo and honors the dreams we hold dear.