RSSIt’s not the hours I’ve put in to diaper changing in these early years, nor the co-sleeping positions I compromised my sleep over.
I wasn’t given this role for the temperament I’m gifted with. (Though I know I can summon up a little Calm Parenting a la Carol Nasr when I put my best foot forward.)
Motherhood is a volunteer job.
The proverbial gig takes one giant requirement: Yourself.
Please learn to nurture yourself. Volunteering cannot rely on the faint of heart.
Rule number one is show up ready to give. When, where and how long aren’t specified. At first what to give may seem trivial. There are cues for that. Luckily you’ve been equipped to learn a few.
This mothering to young children stage isn’t all fun and games. There is plenty of fun and a great number of games. However, I choose to show up daily, hourly, and, currently, every split second or thereabouts after with or without red light- green light. Earning a badge on a Brownies’ vest and making a pledge would be so easy.
Rule number two is hang in there! I’ll be the first to admit I’ve failed miserably on past occasions and hope to pad the grade at some point for the years ahead. I’ve spent a fair share of blood, sweat, tears (and dollars) on the job (and God knows you need not have a biological child to contribute to this part). This volunteer position takes heart and hugs. A lot of hugs. Thankfully those are free.
In 7 years of Mother’s Days I’ve bragged on this hard work without shame. Let them adorn you with flowers and cards, trinkets and gifts, hugs and kisses. I hope it fuels you.
The rewards are beyond your wildest imagination (generally speaking if you aren’t already a mother, it’s another mindset’s wildest imagination). Mind you, the pride of being called mother may be worn like an immunity necklace on Survivor. You should consider the same with the preschool craft jewelry you are gifted come Mother’s Day. Trust me, it tends to get better in years. You’ll love it all regardless of talent anyway.
Rule number three is find rest. At the end of a day, love beams inside of me irregardless of the fuel tank reading. Even if bedtime has been a disaster, the sweet tiny human beings at rest assure me my involvement has made an impact. A truly divine unconditional love resonates from the least of all likely sources- a volunteer responsibility chosen to take on. It’s always a count your many blessings type of moment. You are blessed to be chosen for this title.
This is a position I’ll never outgrow and a badge that will not fall off.
Though I’m curious about the road ahead as many share the triumphs, the trials and the hormones, I take it day by day. “There will be a day when you are not needed near as much,” I’m told.
It’s nurturing, this mother title. If you’ve got the gig, take a big deep breath and exhale. Without ego I’m pretty impressed to reflect on my efforts. Chances are you’re doing just fine as well.
Remember to choose to show up and give tomorrow. It’s what counts the very most.
Happy Mother’s Day.
We went out to shovel the snow a few days ago and JuneBug made tracks for me announcing they were “perfect” for my feet to follow. There is so much bursting inside this little smile waiting to learn about the world. The day he smiled for the camera he and I indulged in swinging at the playground even though the temperatures were far below frigid. I had been busy all week, putting off after school playground visits to “tomorrow”. His patience and persistence, the questions he asks, the stories he tells, even the boundaries he tests fill my day with learning about what it means to walk beside and parent him…and when he’ll let me, make the tracks in the snow for him to follow too.