Becoming a mom has helped me become more present, thankful, energetic, and efficient.
Having a baby has been undoubtedly the most life changing event I’ve experienced. It’s challenging and overwhelming for sure, but has also brought about immense personal growth and fulfillment in ways I never expected. As I reflect on how I’ve changed in just two months of being a momma, I want to encourage other moms, soon-to-be-moms, and some-day-moms with four things that parenthood is helping me grow in; being more present, thankful, energetic, and efficient.
I am more present. There have been more days than I’d like to admit where I have been checked out. Days where I simply went through the motions and just wanted to get through, without stopping to take in my surroundings or enjoy the little things. After having baby Nolan, I promised myself that I would cherish each moment during this stage of life because it goes by so quickly. Down to changing diapers and waking up at 2 am for feedings, I’m soaking it all up. This has allowed me to slow down, truly feel my emotions, and connect with the world around me. I’m not always perfect at this, but I’m better than I was pre-baby.
I’m more thankful. I’ve always tried hard to express my thankfulness for life and the things in it. After having Nolan, my thankfulness grew to a whole new level. I’m thankful for my body; The way the way my skin reminds me with stretch marks of the incredible experience I went through last year, the way my organs keep me alive, the way my legs allow me to dance and lungs allow me to sing. I’m thankful for my husband and they way we are navigating this new stage of life and uncharted territory together. I’m thankful for our community full of family and friends who support us, pray for us, and love on our kiddo. A child just has a way of reminding you how life and everything in it are true blessings from God.
I have more energy. (I know, this seems backwards!) All my life, “tired” was one of my characteristics, and napping was one of my favorite hobbies (totally still is!) One of my fears about parenthood was that I wouldn’t get the amount of sleep that I needed to show up as my best self for my kid, my husband, and my responsibilities. And it’s true that don’t get NEAR as much sleep as I used to, but I’ve learned that I’m able to function on a lot less sleep than I ever imagined. I think that the added responsibilities and the challenges that come along with caring for my child gives me a sense of purpose, which energizes me in a new way. This stage of life can be exhausting, but it’s incredibly fun – Staying focused on the joy in this season excites me and gives me a reason to stay alert and energetic.
I’m more efficient. In the past I’ve been slower to get things done because I like to take my time and I hate feeling frantic and busy. (I’m a 9 on the Enneagram, which explains a lot.) But since having a baby, I’ve found myself doing things quicker because, well, I have no other choice! Folding clothes, getting ready, even writing these posts – I’ve become more efficient because I only have so much time before the baby wakes up, needs to eat, or just needs cuddles and attention! Those things have become my priority, which means other things have to get done in a shorter amount of time. Though it’s challenging to get things done with a newborn, I’ve learned how to prioritize much better, and I’m becoming proficient in efficiency thanks to little man.
While motherhood brings its’ challenges and hardships, it also brings beautiful life lessons. It can help you become more present in the moment, more thankful for life and everything in it, more energetic due the added responsibilities and added joy, and more efficient in your time management and prioritization. I am so grateful to be growing into a more present, thankful, energetic, and efficient person because of my child!
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7
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