It happens often. I find myself aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, with a mountain of chores and messages waiting for me, when I stumble upon a familiar face. It’s like catching a glimpse of a movie star whose name I can’t recall. Sometimes, I even check her name before realizing that I’m looking at a memory of a mom friend—someone I’ve only known in her journey through motherhood. And wow, she seems to have transformed quite a bit over the past decade.
Discovering these snapshots from the past is pure gold. As mothers of young kids, we often cross paths with other moms—each of us juggling bags and wearing the tiredness of sleepless nights. We share tales of diaper rashes, tantrums in grocery stores, and our own meltdowns. To those outside our circle, our lives might seem mundane. Yet, we understand each other all too well, exchanging articles on sleep training that never seem to work. We embrace our roles as exhausted, chaotic, over-committed moms.
And then there she is—my mom friend from ten years ago. At a college gathering, red cup in hand, her hair perfectly styled, illuminated by the flash of a camera. She appears vibrant and carefree, with only thoughts of whether she’ll wake up for her 9 a.m. class. Perhaps she’s off on an adventure in Thailand or defending her thesis in some advanced field. Regardless, she looks nothing like the woman with dried oatmeal on her shirt who sits next to me every Tuesday at story time.
These glimpses into the past are both delightful and meaningful. They provide a peek into the person our friend used to be—and still is, deep down. Just because those moments in our lives feel distant and trivial (seriously, why were we all in tiny vests?) doesn’t diminish their significance. The women in those photos are reminders that our friends are fascinating individuals with much to offer, and so are we.
As for the physical changes that come with motherhood? Bring it on. It’s not a tragedy if she’s no longer a size 4 (or, let’s be honest, a size 10 for me). Women are meant to evolve. We have given ourselves to little beings who demand everything from us—body, mind, and spirit. Sure, our once-sparkling eyes might resemble something more like “dead fish” before that second cup of coffee. And our jawlines might lean more toward Ursula than Ariel these days. We look different because we are different, and we owe no one an apology for that.
Returning to the girl in those Facebook memories—should she be dismissed because of her youthful glow and stylish jeans? Absolutely not. The path she took in those moments has led her to where she is now. Whether she was already with her future partner or enjoying life’s adventures, she was learning about love and relationships. Her youthful experiences shaped the foundation of the life she’s building for her children.
And those professional aspirations she once chased can still exist amidst the chaos of motherhood. She might have to leave work early or even paused her career altogether, but her ambition and wisdom remain intact, even if they occasionally feel out of reach.
So, let’s not overlook the vibrant younger versions of our friends and ourselves that pop up on social media. They are remarkable. Those girls in velour tracksuits and sticky lip gloss have transformed into the women we lean on today. But don’t dwell on the past too much; let it serve as a reminder of who we were and who we continue to be.
For those seeking more insights on motherhood and home insemination, check out this blog post here. Additionally, if you want expert information on this topic, visit Intracervical Insemination, which offers valuable resources. You can also find helpful information at CDC Pregnancy, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the memories we encounter on social media are vital reminders of our history and evolution. They reflect the complexities of our lives as mothers and individuals, encouraging us to celebrate our journeys without regret.