Updated: May 23, 2016
Originally Published: Jan. 26, 2014
Hello, amazing Mama.
While we may not have met, I’ve walked a path similar to yours (albeit slowly, so my little one could keep pace). I’ve carried your baby in a sling, feeling the weight of my growing child pressing against my hips and shoulders. I’ve navigated your vehicle, filled with car seats, strollers, toys, diaper bags, sippy cups, and a scattering of Cheerios. I’ve shared your bed, waking countless times each night to nurse, comfort, fend off nightmares, or simply reassure my child of my presence in the world.
I’ve lived through the highs and lows of your love.
That love—oh, it’s something else, isn’t it? At times, it feels overwhelming. The love accompanied by worry. The love intertwined with frustration. The love that exhausts you. Yes, Mama, love is heavy. It’s all-consuming, magnificent, and at times, daunting. It’s a profound source of joy and purpose, sacred and transformative. A mother’s love isn’t easy at any stage—it’s a treasure chest overflowing with priceless gems. But with that treasure comes weight; you can’t separate them.
These early years, dear Mama, will forge your strength. The resilience you cultivate now will enable you to carry that love through uncharted territories. It may be immense and burdensome, but trust me when I say you will be able to shoulder it and traverse mountains. You’ll navigate turbulent waters with it tethered to your heart. It will lead you to breathtaking, magical, and even intimidating places. These formative years are conditioning you, building your endurance to navigate any challenges that come your way.
I understand it can be tough—perhaps often. Yet, I also know that beauty is woven into the fabric of this experience. I might not have all the answers, but I assure you motherhood is a tapestry of highs and lows, light and shadow, joy and sorrow, calm waters and fierce storms. And through it all—always—there’s that love, that weighty, exquisite vessel brimming with beauty, hope, and a little trembling. It might not lighten, but you will grow stronger; I promise you that.
I know it feels overwhelming now, but resist the temptation to wish for a different time or season. Don’t imagine a moment when this love won’t challenge you. I won’t tell you to savor these days because they pass swiftly, but I want you to recognize that when moments feel heavy, it’s love training you to bear it. It’s hard—so very hard—but your strength and capacity are beyond what you realize. Motherhood will reveal this to you, if it hasn’t already. The challenges are blessings in disguise.
And the joy—oh, let’s be grateful for that. Joy is your most powerful ally, if you harness it wisely. Cling to each joyful moment as it arises and let it seep into your soul. You won’t find joy in every aspect of motherhood, but when you do, immerse yourself fully. Those joyful instances are like levers and wheels that make carrying love much more manageable.
And don’t forget to connect with other mothers who understand the weight of that love. Share your experiences, the beauty and burdens alike. It’s perfectly okay to acknowledge both the joys and difficulties. It’s not meant to be easy, but together we can uplift one another, reminding each other of our strength, and saying, “I get it, Sister. It’s tough.” On days when our love feels like it’s rolling smoothly, we can lend our strength to a mother struggling to ascend her mountain. We all need each other, Mama. Every single one of us.
Reflecting on my early days of motherhood stirs so many emotions. Those little ones possess an innocent purity, their futures so bright, and my love for them is filled with both wonder and concern. There were moments when that love felt too heavy to bear, and even now, years later, I sometimes feel that weight. But that love and I have traversed a lot together, and it has forged my strength. It continues to strengthen me, day by day.
And it will do the same for you, I promise. Keep moving forward, Mama.
This article was originally published on Jan. 26, 2014.
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Summary:
In the journey of motherhood, the profound weight of love is both a blessing and a challenge. While it can feel overwhelming, these early years build strength and resilience to navigate the beautiful yet difficult path of parenting. Embracing joyful moments, connecting with fellow mothers, and acknowledging both the beauty and struggles of motherhood are essential for growth. Remember, though the love may remain heavy, you will become stronger in carrying it.