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Parenting
The Burden of a Mother’s Affection
by Lisa Thompson
Updated: May 23, 2016
Originally Published: Jan. 26, 2014
Hello, dear Mama.
Though we may not have met, I understand you deeply. I’ve navigated the same path (though at a slower pace so my little one could keep up). I’ve worn your baby carrier, feeling the weight of my child pressing on my hips and shoulders. I’ve driven your car, filled to the brim with bulky car seats, strollers, toys, diaper bags, sippy cups, and scattered snacks. I’ve shared your bed, waking repeatedly at night to nurse, comfort, chase away nightmares, or simply assure my child of my presence.
I’ve experienced the highs and lows that come with your love.
That love—Oh, that love. At times, it feels overwhelming, doesn’t it? The joy mixed with worry, the affection intertwined with frustration, and the deep love that leaves you utterly exhausted. Love is a heavy burden, Mama. It’s immense, all-consuming, both magnificent and daunting. It’s both fulfilling and challenging, a sacred gift that demands a great deal from you. A mother’s love is a treasure chest overflowing with invaluable experiences and emotions. Yet, it’s not light; it’s not simple. You cannot separate that love from its weight; they are inextricably linked.
But these formative years, Mama—they are forging your strength. The resilience you cultivate now will enable you to carry this love across uncharted territories. This love may feel burdensome, but trust me when I say you will lift it over your shoulders and traverse great heights. You will navigate tumultuous waters with it tethered to your heart. It will guide you to extraordinary, enchanting, and sometimes frightening places. These years are equipping you, conditioning you, enhancing your endurance to bear that love through anything, always.
I recognize that it’s difficult at times—perhaps often. I also know it can be undeniably beautiful, too. I may not have all the answers, but I assure you that motherhood will be a blend of both. There will be highs and lows, light and darkness, moments of joy and instances of despair, smooth sailing and fierce storms. And throughout it all—always—there is that love. That rich, potent vessel brimming with beauty, hope, and trembling. While the weight may never lessen, your strength will grow, I promise.
I know it’s tough right now, but resist the urge to wish for a different time or season. Don’t envision a moment when this love won’t challenge you. I won’t tell you to savor these days because they fly by, but I want you to recognize that during those heavy moments—those moments of struggle—it’s love preparing you to keep carrying it. It’s hard. So very hard. Yet your capacity for strength is more profound than you realize. Motherhood will eventually reveal this truth to you if it hasn’t already. The challenges are, in fact, a blessing.
And the joy—thank goodness for the joy. Joy can be the most effective parenting tool if wielded correctly. Embrace every joyful moment as it arrives, holding onto it until it seeps into your very being. You won’t encounter it in every moment of motherhood, but focus on those that do bring joy. These moments serve as the support that makes carrying that love a bit lighter.
And don’t forget each other—Oh, Mama, seek out fellow mothers who are also carrying the weight of love. Share your experiences, discuss the beauty within that love, and acknowledge the burden it can bring. It’s perfectly fine to recognize both the beauty and the struggle. It’s not meant to be easy. We can uplift one another by sharing our joys, reminding ourselves of our strengths, and saying, “Yes, I understand. It is hard.” On days when your love feels like it’s cascading effortlessly, extend your strength to a mom who is struggling to push hers up a steep incline. We need each other, Mama. All of us.
Reflecting on my early days of motherhood evokes a flurry of emotions. Those little beings are so innocent, their futures boundless, and the love for them is filled with both wonder and concern. There were times I felt as though that love was too heavy for me to bear, and I still encounter that feeling even after years of experience. Yet, that love and I have traversed a lot together. It has strengthened me, and it continues to do so daily.
And it will empower you, too. I promise. Carry on, Mama.
This article was originally published on Jan. 26, 2014. Ready for more? Explore our other articles, such as the one on couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination for more insights. For those working during pregnancy, understanding your rights and staying comfortable is crucial. If you’re looking for reliable information, MedlinePlus offers an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Navigating the complexities of motherhood is a journey filled with both challenges and joys. The weight of a mother’s love is profound, often overwhelming, yet it empowers and transforms. Embrace the hard moments as they prepare you for the incredible strength you possess. Seek out fellow mothers for support and celebrate the joy that exists in your shared experiences. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and together we can uplift one another.