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Is Motherhood Worth It?
“So, is motherhood really worth it?” my colleague, Jenna, asked with a hint of skepticism as we sat across from each other at a round cafeteria table. We were perched on tall bar stools—her looking completely at ease, while I felt acutely aware of my temporary status as someone enjoying a precious uninterrupted meal.
You see, I’ve only been in this role for a couple of months, and Jenna doesn’t know much about me yet. At this point, I feel like a patchwork quilt made up of early morning wake-ups, occasionally stained blazers, and quite mundane weekends. But beneath these patches lies everything that defines me at work: my personality, work style, and life story.
“But is it really worth it?” she pressed.
I fumbled for the right words to express what I wanted to say, but a generic, cookie-cutter response slipped out before I could catch it. I could tell she wasn’t convinced, and honestly, who could blame her? I’ve never had the courage to revisit that conversation, but what I should have shared was a resounding YES, it’s absolutely worth it—not because it’s the best thing ever, or because I smile at the thought of my kids’ antics at work. Rather, it’s the profound knowledge I gain about them that makes it all worthwhile.
I know this may sound a bit nonsensical at first, but hear me out. The true treasure of motherhood lies in the intimate knowledge I acquire about my children—the little quirks that make them who they are and that allow me to become their expert. Without them, I wouldn’t know the joy of discovering that my five-year-old son adamantly refuses to sleep with socks on. Each night, he performs the same playful routine, wiggling under the blanket before triumphantly tucking his bare feet in a cozy spot just above my knees, waiting for my feigned shock.
I also wouldn’t understand what he means when he asks, “Mama, please give me a dream,” or when he calls someone his “baddest chap.” And if we hadn’t had our second child—who would have thought our strikingly blond son would have a dark, curly-haired sibling?—I would have missed out on watching my little one insist on sleeping on a blanket laid out on the floor, meticulously arranging his soft toys in the corner and covering them with another blanket.
I wouldn’t know that he would invite me to “fweep” beside him on the floor, or that he wouldn’t develop as strong a bond with his stuffed animals as his older brother did. I wouldn’t have learned about the fiery spirit he possesses, evident in the intensity of his facial expressions as he prepares for an enthusiastic embrace or a game of “row, row, row your boat”—a game I even invented!
I would have missed the bittersweet feelings that come with watching my children transition through various stages of childhood, a sensation many parents describe as an essential part of the journey. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
Being a mother transforms you into an explorer, charting new internal and external territories with your heart and your stroller. You’ll uncover astonishing truths about yourself and your kids, realizing that you’re the creator, not just the observer.
Just look at him! You could never have predicted that your younger child would methodically line up toy cars, getting upset if even one was moved. You’d be taken aback by the pride in his voice as he exclaims, “Look, I did!” emphasizing the “I” with such delight. You never imagined that this simple act could evoke such a mix of wonder, curiosity, and inexplicable pride within you.
Every day, you’ll feel your heart and gut being tugged in ways you never knew possible. That’s what makes it all worth it because nothing else in your life will ever matter as much.
For more insights on motherhood, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com/blog. If you’re exploring the realms of parenthood, Make a Mom offers comprehensive resources for at-home insemination kits, and don’t forget to visit March of Dimes for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Motherhood is a journey filled with unique discoveries that make it worth every moment. The knowledge gained about your children and the joy of their little quirks are invaluable rewards. Embrace the challenges and the profound love that comes with this experience.