My Motherhood Mission Statement

home insemination Kit

Updated: Aug. 18, 2016

Originally Published: Aug. 18, 2016

Motherhood has engulfed my existence, chewed it up, and spat it back out. While that might not paint the most glamorous picture, it’s my reality. I adore my son and daughter with every fiber of my being, yet in this journey, the things that once lit me up have dimmed significantly. This year of staying home has been a true challenge—like, really, really tough. My days blend together, and I find myself eagerly awaiting my husband’s return from work with an intensity that’s hard to admit. It stings to see other moms seem to have it all together; comparison can be a brutal companion.

Springtime on the High Plains of Colorado means wind, and let me tell you, it made getting out of the house a Herculean task. When the weather turns sour for outdoor play, indoor options are scarce, and that drives me a little bonkers. One afternoon, after nap time, I realized I needed to make a quick trip to the store. As I was dressing my son, he looked at me puzzled and asked, “Why are we putting clothes on? Where are we going?” Oh dear. This kid knows we’re usually in our pajamas unless we’re making a public appearance. Cue the mom guilt.

I tried to explain that we wear clothes even when there’s no destination, but he was having none of it. “But where are we goooing?” I finally confessed, “To the store.” His face lit up like I’d just announced a trip to the moon. “Can I get a sucker?” he asked. “Sure,” I smiled. His little world is made complete by the Dum Dums he scores from the grocery store cashier. I cherish his excitement for errands and how he joyfully narrates our shopping list to the clerk.

He shakes my sparkling water and exclaims, “When this opens, it’s like a volcano, but there’s no smoke!” The cashier can’t help but chuckle at his impromptu science lesson, and soon he’s acting out a volcano eruption with all the gusto a 2-year-old can muster. She giggles, and eventually hands him the basket to choose his sucker flavor. Of course, he picks root beer, a flavor I wouldn’t choose but hey, to each their own. His adventurous spirit is refreshing, and it reminds me of the beauty in simple joys. He’s also curious about the post office and always bombards me with questions about the letters behind the mailboxes.

I often feel pressure to nurture his curiosity and creativity, driven by my inner teacher who insists on challenging his mind. However, my own creativity feels depleted. I’ve always prided myself on being imaginative, thinking that motherhood would be my canvas for adventures. But, it turns out, it’s been more like a blank page.

After discussing this with my husband, I realized that in order to nurture my children’s creativity, I must first rekindle my own. Just like the flight attendant reminds parents to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting their children, I need to ignite my own spark for life to be the best mom I can be. And honestly, shouldn’t my life be worth getting excited about too?

So, I’m declaring a new motherhood mission statement: I will dedicate time each week to create and learn, or learn through creating. Whether it’s writing, painting, or even interpretative dance, I want to embrace life with the same enthusiasm as a toddler watching a volcano.

For those on a similar journey, you might find inspiration in this other blog post about home insemination. And if you’re looking for more resources on pregnancy, I highly recommend checking out this excellent guide on IVF.

In summary, motherhood is a wild ride of challenges and joys, and I’m committed to fueling my creativity to be the best version of myself for my children.