Maybe the reason why motherhood is tough is that we don’t realize we don’t just give birth to a baby - we also give birth to a new version of ourselves.
And most of the time, knowing, accepting, and loving our new selves take time, effort, tears, and sweat.
We are expected to show up on Day 1 - after we give birth - even if we’re not sure if we’re doing the right thing.
We are expected to calm a crying newborn while we feel like crying ourselves.
We kept thinking about the things we used to do, pre-baby, and feel lonely ‘coz we can’t do those anymore.
But maybe we’re meant not to do those things again.
Maybe we’re meant to tread on new heights and conquer new dreams while slowly finding and building ourselves in the light of motherhood.
Maybe we’re meant for a supernatural mother’s instinct that can feel what the baby’s feeling.
Maybe we’re meant to have flabby arms and bellies to make sure the little one is comfortable while snuggling us.
Maybe we’re meant to have an automatic brain function that turns a red alarm when someone in the family is sick.
Maybe we’re meant to do all things at once - working, taking care of the baby, pursuing personal dreams - and no one can do it better than us.
We’re only slowly knowing our new selves, all the while raising a little human. I once read that it’s natural to feel growing pains and regret. But it’s also natural to feel absolutely happy about the new things you thought you couldn’t do, but here you are, showing up every day.
PS. side effect of motherhood I guess, extra melodrama.
