Six years ago today, I found myself at the threshold of motherhood, capturing the final moments of my old self. The last photograph I took as a woman without children serves as a powerful reminder of how much I’ve transformed. Each year, we joyfully mark our children’s birthdays, even if those celebrations can be a bit chaotic. But what about honoring ourselves? Why not celebrate our ‘Motherhood Eve’?
Often, we overlook that woman in the photo—the one who was about to embark on the most incredible journey. It’s vital to acknowledge our past selves and reflect on how far we’ve come. This is why that snapshot holds such significance for me. I converse with her every year.
When your first child arrives, you are reborn. It’s undeniable that the woman you were the day before motherhood and the one who becomes a mom are two distinct beings, though they coexist as one. Motherhood is not the sum of your identity; it’s merely a new chapter, crafted by the choices you made prior to that moment.
This is my message to her, the woman in the photograph, after six years of embracing motherhood, and I hope it resonates with you.
Dear woman in the photo:
I understand that you’re feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now. Excitement intertwined with fear. You’re full of dreams while grappling with anxieties about meeting your little one. You envision her face and feel hopeful, yet question how the delivery will unfold, if it will be painful, if you’ll cope, and whether all your meticulously crafted plans will hold up.
You’ve been pondering this milestone for months, maybe even years, making promises to yourself—but they are often idealistic. You vow never to wear sweatpants, to maintain a spotless home, to keep toys out of sight, and to always look put together. You’re convinced your children will never have tantrums because you’ll be the perfect parent, and they’ll always be healthy and brilliant thanks to your organic meals.
You also believe that you will seamlessly juggle everything, that you won’t resemble those overwhelmed moms you’ve seen. And if the magazine models bounce back after childbirth, surely you can too…
I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but here’s a hint: happiness is waiting for you. The fulfillment of these promises? It won’t matter in the end. In just a few hours, a sound will fill your world—one that will sweetly and wildly alter the trajectory of your life. From that moment forward, you will evolve into a new version of yourself.
Motherhood will grant you a strength you never knew you possessed, enabling you to accomplish feats you never dreamed possible. You’ll learn that every choice you make is the right one, regardless of the outcomes. You will listen to your heart like never before, experiencing life through a fresh lens. Hidden instincts will awaken, revealing talents you never recognized.
You’ll come to appreciate the simple joys—a sunrise, the aroma of morning coffee, or a glass of wine with friends. Your relationships will shift; some will grow stronger while others may fade, and new friendships will blossom.
You will love fiercely, your heart swelling with emotion daily. The bond between you and your child will deepen, and together you will rise to countless challenges, learning from one another. You will no longer be two facing the world; you’ll be a duo striving to make it a better place.
Rest assured, I won’t forget about you or your dreams. I will continue to advocate for them, even if it takes longer than anticipated or requires adjustments along the way.
Today, I celebrate not only the 32 years of your life before becoming a mother but also the six years I’ve embraced this beautiful journey. So here’s to you and to me—today marks our Motherhood Eve. Your resilience, determination, choices, fears, dreams, and even your mistakes have paved the way for my growth. For you, I promise to navigate life with my head held high, regardless of the challenges that come our way. Life may not always be easy, but how we choose to live it is a unique journey between us.
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Summary
Each year, I celebrate my journey into motherhood by reflecting on who I was before becoming a mom. This ‘Motherhood Eve’ serves as a reminder to honor the woman I was and the profound changes I’ve experienced. Through love, strength, and resilience, I continue to grow, ensuring that my dreams remain an integral part of my life.