When I was 18, I thought I was all set for college. In reality, I was more excited about escaping my parents, enjoying a taste of independence, sneaking a drink, and living without a curfew. But was I genuinely ready to make significant decisions about my future career? Absolutely not. Most of my peers were in the same boat, but boy, did we have fun!
As we walk down the aisle, reciting vows of eternal love, do we truly grasp the depth of the commitment we’re making? We pledge loyalty to one person forever, even during moments when we fantasize about smothering them with a pillow or can’t stand the sound of their chewing. The truth is, we can’t fully comprehend the promise we’re making because we’ve never done it before. Yet, we convince ourselves we’re ready and take the leap.
Are We Ever Really Prepared?
Are we ever really prepared for anything? Feeling ready and being prepared are two entirely different concepts. When we embark on life-altering experiences for the first time, we can’t truly know if we’re ready; we only discover that after diving in. We might feel equipped for certain aspects—like those wild Taco Tuesdays or some fun romance—but that doesn’t mean we’re ready for the whole journey.
There are moments when we sense we’re not quite prepared, yet we proceed anyway. An experience can feel right, and even if everything isn’t perfectly aligned, we move forward because it matters to us. Time passes, and we sometimes look back, thinking, “I was just a baby then. What made me think I was ready?” That thought crosses my mind every time I reflect on my first pregnancy.
The Reality of Motherhood
I thought I was as ready as anyone could be for motherhood. I had yearned for a child for years, eagerly awaited his arrival, documented every kick, donned maternity wear way too soon, and talked about it incessantly. Then he arrived, and I quickly realized I wasn’t ready at all. I wasn’t prepared to care for another human being, to feed him every two hours, or to navigate the constant emotional rollercoaster of sleepless nights. But somehow, I did it. We always find a way to push through.
The saying “ignorance is bliss” holds true. After navigating a multitude of experiences when I wasn’t truly ready, I’ve come to appreciate the value of just going for it. Because if I hadn’t taken that leap, I wouldn’t have my three wonderful kids. Sure, there would have been fewer mistakes, but also far less growth and learning—especially as I stepped into motherhood.
Life Unfolds Regardless of Readiness
Regardless of our readiness, life unfolds anyway. Children grow, relationships change, loved ones face difficulties, and sometimes, we’re left feeling hurt and disappointed. We can’t always control what life throws at us, but we often don’t know what it’s like until we experience it firsthand. Each challenge we face, even when we’re not ready, prepares us for what’s next.
I’m not suggesting we should forgo preparation for significant life events, nor do I advocate jumping into situations we’re genuinely unprepared for. However, there are experiences that we can’t fully prepare for until we dive in and figure it out one step at a time. Amazingly, we almost always emerge stronger, and I can’t wait for another wild Taco Tuesday to help me navigate life’s chaos. You should join me!
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Conclusion
In summary, readiness is often a myth when it comes to major life events like marriage and motherhood. We may feel prepared, but true preparation comes from the experiences we navigate, stumbling through challenges and emerging stronger on the other side.