It’s funny how one small chapter in an eighth-grade science book can leave such a lasting impression. For me, it was the section on plate tectonics that struck fear into my heart. Not because I was afraid of the actual science behind it—those massive plates of earth shifting and colliding—but because I sensed even then that these geological movements could serve as a powerful metaphor for the unpredictable changes in life.
As a teenager, I instinctively understood how these tectonic shifts mirrored the significant life events ahead of me: graduations, new jobs, marriage, and children. Each of these milestones felt like an earthquake, shaking the very foundation of my existence.
When my daughter Lily was born, I was apprehensive about the transition from one child to two. Four years later, as I awaited the arrival of my son Jake, I dreaded the thought of returning to diaper bags and sleepless nights. My sweet Lily was the center of our universe, and I worried about fitting another person into our established dynamic. Little did I know, both children would soon find their voices, often speaking over one another while the TV blared in the background. Turns out, our home would never lack for lively chatter!
Somehow, I adapted to the shift from one to two kids, and I’ve navigated other life changes as well: relocating from our apartment to our house, undergoing a much-needed kitchen renovation, and managing career transitions. I’ve encountered health challenges and evolving responsibilities, all while clinging to the illusion of control. I’ve found comfort in small routines—packing lunches the night before, keeping the calendar updated, paying bills on time.
While the major tectonic shifts in life are glaringly obvious, there’s a constant, subtle movement beneath the surface that’s harder to identify. Life often feels like a series of earthquakes, and it’s only after I’ve weathered a storm that I pause to appreciate the view. However, with ongoing changes in my life, I’m learning to embrace the beauty of transformation as it happens.
Recently, I’ve sensed another shift looming on the horizon, one that feels different from those that came before. Yes, my children are growing, with Lily preparing to enter middle school and Jake completing his early elementary years. My career is progressing; I’m not merely coasting, yet I no longer feel the need to prove myself as I once did during my intense career-building phase. Still, I find myself feeling unsettled.
For over a decade, I’ve balanced the roles of a full-time working mother and a wife, often feeling constrained by societal expectations—suggestions that I can’t have it all, that I must make sacrifices, and that any attempt to do everything means I’m failing at something. I’ve poured my heart into raising my children, who are mostly a joy despite their occasional tantrums. I’ve climbed the career ladder and dedicated myself to nurturing my marriage, striving to grow alongside my partner. Yet, I still feel a sense of dissatisfaction.
The shift I’m currently experiencing tells me that despite having so much, I’m not savoring it nearly enough. I’ve scaled peaks formed by the collision of paths I’ve chosen and those I’ve let go of, but often the breathtaking view I anticipated is hidden behind clouds of stress and hard work. Yet I know there are more peaks ahead, potentially in my children, my career, or new facets of myself.
With this realization, I can focus on finding joy in the journey rather than just at the summit. Life, especially motherhood, is not just about waiting for those peak moments; it’s also about appreciating the valleys. A mother understands that reflection shouldn’t only happen after an earthquake; there’s beauty to be found in the everyday labor of shifting landscapes.
We cannot control how life unfolds, as changes happen rapidly beneath the surface. The shift I’m feeling is urging me to slow down, to seek connection, and to take time to enjoy the new vistas that come with each transition. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this post. And for those seeking guidance on fertility, Make A Mom offers valuable insights as an authority on the subject. Additionally, Drugs.com provides excellent resources related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, life is a series of shifts that require us to adapt and grow. By embracing the journey and taking the time to appreciate both the highs and lows, we can find joy in the ever-changing landscape of motherhood.